Arsenal have completed the sale of a former England youth international who switched to play for the United States. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that the North London outfit have agreed to sell Folarin Balogun to Ligue 1 team AS Monaco.
Arsenal and Monaco Agree to Fee for Folarin Balogun
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Long Deal for American
Romano’s post detailed that Monaco have agreed to pay over £34 million for Balogun. The 22-year-old’s medical tests are scheduled to take place shortly, with the deal likely to be completed soon. It had been reported that the attacker was “open to joining Chelsea,” but it now appears a return to Ligue 1 is on the cards for the Brooklyn-born striker.
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Arsenal will obtain a sell-on clause in regards to a future Balogun sale. Having only made a handful of appearances for the Gunners, his recent loan to Stade Reims gave the attacker the chance to showcase his capabilities with regular playing time.
Arteta Praise
Balogun has been described as a “special” player by Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard complimented the attacker’s ability to use his strengths. It appears the Gunners coach rates Balogun, but with competition fierce at Arsenal, it’s unlikely the forward will break into the Emirates squad on a regular basis.
Away from Arsenal, Balogun enjoyed a prolific 2022/23 campaign scoring 21 league goals for Stade Reims, which saw the American international finish fifth in the race for the Ligue 1 golden boot. Despite Arteta’s uplifting words, the youngster will soon depart the North London club, having been unable to make the grade at the Emirates, having made ten first-team appearances, scoring two goals.
Featured Image: Mark Hillary, CC BY 2.0.
