USMNT star Folarin Balogun handed clear Arsenal transfer instruction

The 22-year-old has seen his minutes slashed under Mikel Arteta and could be set for a move away from the Premier League

Arsenal striker and USMNT international Folarin Balogun has been told that his career will 'continue to progress' if he leaves the North London club in favour of a move to AS Monaco.

The 22-year-old, who was absent from Mikel Arteta's squad for the Gunners' 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on the Premier League's opening weekend, has been the subject of rumours of an exit from the Emirates Stadium throughout the summer transfer window due to his desire for regular action.

While big European clubs like Inter Milan, as well as North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, have noted their interest in the star, it seems as though Monaco are the favourites to land his signature before deadline day comes - despite already have a bid of £36 million rejected.

Balogun found the net 21 times in 37 league appearances last season but, despite a strong goalscoring record, has failed to find his place in the Arsenal pecking order - still seemingly beneath both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

However, he's now been told by former Arsenal midfielder Mikael Silvestre, who spent two seasons at the Emirates from 2008 to 2010, that it's better if he jumps ship off to France instead of staying in the Premier League.

"I’m not in his shoes, but I would go back to Ligue 1 and choose Monaco," Silvestre told bettingexpert.com, giving a reason for Balogun to seal a move. "They need a striker and one like him. He would fit in well there, and he knows Ligue 1.

"It would make sense to go and establish himself at Monaco and continue the good run he had with the 20-odd goals he scored.

"He should continue his progression with a side that is