Mikel Arteta wants to take a closer look at Folarin Balogun during Arsenal's pre-season before deciding on the talented striker’s future.
The 22-year-old academy graduate enjoyed a breakthrough season in France last season, scoring 21 goals for Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.
Balogun has no plans to go out on loan again this term and the United States international has been linked with a permanent exit, with Inter Milan reportedly interested.
Arsenal are said to value the striker at £50m and Arteta wants a closer look at the attacker during the pre-season of the United States.
"Obviously he’s done incredibly well and now we have to think what is best to do," the manager said.
"But we want to see him, we want to experience him in the next few games.
"He played the last game against Nurnberg and he will do in the next few games. Then we will make the best decision."
Arsenal are in Washington DC to play against Wayne Rooney’s MLS All-Stars on Wednesday.
It means a quick return to the States for Balogun, who helped the US win the Nations League last month.
Asked if he is looking to move, Balogun said: "I was away for the year and just back so focused on pre-season with the team.
"It’s nice to see everyone and stuff but I am really just focused here."
Meanwhile, Arteta sees record signing Declan Rice as Arsenal's "lighthouse" as the club look to win the Premier League.
Fresh from completing big-money moves for Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners completed their British record £105m acquisition for the West Ham captain on Saturday.
Rice’s arrival is a huge shot in the arm for Mikel Arteta’s improving side, who beat perennial Premier League champions Manchester City to the England international’s signature.
"I see him like a lighthouse – that he is willing to put light in others and improve others and make the team better and that is a huge quality," Arteta said.
"For me, to be a midfielder you have to have that and he’s got it 100%.
"The way he talks and presents himself, the ambition he has and the passion towards the game. That is exactly what we needed.
"It’s his leadership, his aura, the experience he already has in the league he is going to bring and the team to a different dimension I think."
Arsenal have spent nearly £200m already this summer but Arteta suggested there could yet be more to come.
"Let’s see," he said pitchside at George Mason University.
"It’s a lot of time still in the market and a lot of expectations are in some of our players as well, so we will have to see and how things develop in the next couple of weeks.
"We will be alert, there’s still time do things, there’s still time as well for exits obviously. I’m sure things will move."
