Folarin Balogun involved in Arsenal official photocall today

Journalist and famous Arsenal insider Jeorge Bird has posted a picture of United States international striker Folarin Balogun as he joined his teammates in the official photocall for the new season.

The Hale End academy graduate is expected to leave the North London club before the end of the summer transfer window, and his involvement in the photocall has nothing to do with his future.

As it is the custom in the week leading up to a new Premier League season, the players underwent a series of shoots at the Media Day, assembling at the training facilities at London Colney for the annual photocall, which helps the press get access to the pictures they need for the launch of the new season.

Balogun was also listed on the back of the matchday programme when Arsenal faced AS Monaco last week and is still very much part of the first team.

The 22-year-old returned to the club after spending last term on loan with Reims in the Ligue 1, but he picked up a knock during their pre-season tour of the United States.

It is unknown whether Balogun has returned to full fitness, but he is unlikely to be involved when Arsenal face Nottingham Forest this Saturday at Emirates Stadium in their first Premier League game of the 2023-24 season.

The young striker is ready to leave the club permanently as he does not want to go out on loan again, and he is not short of suitors, with Monaco and Inter Milan keen on recruiting his services.

The Gunners recently turned down a formal offer from the Ligue 1 club after their opening verbal proposal for him was rejected after their pre-season friendly.

However, Monaco are expected to return with an improved bid as they need another striker with Switzerland international Breel Embolo ruled out for months following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture he sustained in training.