I have a theory…
Arsenal are using the tour of America to push the price up of Folarin Balogun. And they are not doing it by giving him a shop window to showcase his ability.
Since deciding that he was American, Balogun has gone “all in” when it comes to trying to brand himself as an all-American hero. This despite him not really being American.
Yes, he was born in the USA, but just because you were born in a stable, does not mean you are a horse.
Balogun was born in America to Nigerian parents and moved to the UK at just 2-years old. He is no more American than Erling Haaland is English.
He has always seen himself as English, with Nigerian heritage. No different to other British-African lads such as Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.
His decision to play for the USA rather than England or Nigeria was based on competition.
Rather than compete with Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney for England, or Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho and Emmanuel Dennis for Nigeria, he took the easy option.
For the US Men’s National Team, his competition is Jordan Morris, Jesús Ferreira, Cade Cowell and Brandon Vazquez. “Who?” would be the right question.
Since declaring for USA, he has taken every opportunity to show the world how American he is.
From videoing himself in pre-season training wearing a New York Yankees jersey to picturing himself in the Stars and Stripes, to celebrating Independance Day.
Fo clarity, before declaring for America, Balogun had never previously tweeted about “Independence Day”, the 4th of July (or 4 July or Fourth of July), or even previously posted an American flag emoji on Twitter. He has had his account for 4 years.
Whilst his choice to play for America, and decision to not fight for a place at Arsenal, shows a player that does not have the heart for a challenge, it is something that Arsenal can take advantage of.
Overnight, Balogun has become the posterboy for the US National Team, with his new national teams social media taking every opportunity available to post about him. Clearly the US see the marketing value of having an Arsenal player play for them.
And likewise, his marketing value could drive up his sale price.
Fulham and, more recently, Leeds United have had an increase in followers from the US due to their association with American footballers (or soccer players!). A club in Europe will be thinking “if we sign Balogun, it potentially opens up the US market to us”.
Balogun has recently been linked with Nike sponsored Inter Milan. You can certainly see a club their size increasing their following based on having the American superstar. And that makes him more valuable.
If he proves to be popular with American fans whilst with Arsenal on the US tour, his value will rise. And Arsenal will benefit from this.
For Arsenal, promoting Balogun in America is all about maximising his transfer fee through his potential popularity…
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 
Inter Milan still belongs to the Chinese. That’s why I suspect the ridiculous 100m paid by then Russian owned Chelsea as a political move or money laundering. And loaned him back was even more ridiculous.
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