Newest US Men’s National Team Star Could Soon Join Chrisitian Pulisic In Italy’s Serie A

The United States Men’s National Team could have a distinctly Italian flare to it in the coming future.

Star midfielder Weston McKennie already plays at Serie A’s most historic club, Juventus. (Though likely not for much longer)

Christian Pulisic only recently made a move from Premier League giants Chelsea to legendary Italian club AC Milan.

And now it appears that yet another USMNT star could be on his way to one of Italy’s largest clubs.

James Horncastle and Jordan Campbell of The Athletic report that Inter Milan want to sign USMNT forward Folarin Balogun.

Balogun, 22, had a breakout season in France’s Ligue 1 in 2022-23 on loan from parent club Arsenal. He scored 21 goals in 37 matches for Stade de Reims in his first full season at the senior level.

But Balogun’s path to play at Arsenal appears a bit blocked by Gabriel Jesus and both he and Arsenal have discussed a move.

The Athletic report states that there has been no formal offer from Inter yet. But a bid of around €40 million ($44.9M) is expected. It also states that Arsenal are believed to value him at €58.3M ($65.4M).

Now, whether or not Inter can actually afford to pay that amount is up for debate.

The Nerazzurri recently pulled out of a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku spent the past season on loan with the Italian club and Chelsea was reportedly asking for €40 million. But Lukaku would also require higher wages than Balogun and is eight years older.

Additionally, it appears Inter are set to sell superstar goakeeper Andre Onana to Manchester United for €50M-plus.

The club could then redirect some of the money acquired from that sale in order to purchase Balogun. Either way, USMNT fans may want to figure out how to watch Serie A in 2023-24.