Mikel Arteta to meet with Folarin Balogun's agent after Arsenal striker issues transfer demand

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to hold talks with the agent of one his own players to decide his Emirates future, while the club continues to work on potential new signings.

Arsenal have had two bids, the latest worth £90m, rejected for West Ham captain Declan Rice, while the club is also in talks to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea, Romeo Lavia from Southampton and Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

Arsenal are set to be one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window as Arteta looks to build on the success of last season.

And, as is the case in most transfer windows, there are likely to be as many departures as new arrivals in north London.

One player who has an uncertain future is striker Folarin Balogun.

The 21-year-old will to return to Arsenal this summer after a successful loan spell at French club Reims, where he scored 22 goals in 39 matches.

His stock rose higher on Monday when he scored his first goal for the United States in a 2-0 win over Canada in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Balogun is now set to go on holiday before returning to Arsenal ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

But there is uncertainty over his long-term future at the Emirates, with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.

Balogun rules out another loan move

Balogun has already ruled out another loan move away from Arsenal, forcing the club to either sell him this summer or keep him in the first-team squad.

AC Milan, Napoli and RB Leipzig are among a group of clubs reportedly interested in the forward.

The Daily Mail reported last month that Arsenal could be willing to sell Balogun for £30m.

But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Arteta will hold talks with Balogun before making a final decision whether to sanction the sale.

"Folarin Balogun has also been vocal about his future, insisting he doesn't want to go out on loan again," Romano told Caught Offside.

"I understand Arsenal have a meeting scheduled with his agent in the next few days. Their relationship is very good. In this meeting they will discuss price tag and more, but nothing will happen this week in terms of a transfer. The plan for now is for Arsenal and Balogun to wait for the strikers domino to start.

"I can also say there is nothing concrete with Juventus at this stage, despite recent links, but there are many clubs showing an interest across Europe, from France, Italy and of course the Premier League."