Arsenal Striker Folarin Balogun has Joined AS Monaco on Permanent Deal

According to confirmed reports, Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has joined French side AS Monaco on a permanent deal. The North London side have been on a spending spree in the summer transfer window and need to sell some players to balance their books.

The Arsenal academy have produced many exciting talents and Folarin Balogun is considered as one of the most exquisite and promising teenagers to have come through the academy in recent years. The USMNT striker is one of the hottest prospects in Europe right now, after bursting onto the scene last season.

The 22-year-old spent the 22/23 season at Stade de Reims on a season-long loan. The forward had a stupendous campaign at the French club, finishing as the joint fourth highest scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals. He even lead the scoring charts in Ligue 1 last season at some point.

As reported by Sky Sports, AS Monaco have signed Folarin Balogun from Arsenal in this summer transfer window. The American striker returns to Ligue 1 on a permanent deal, having signed a five-year contract with the French club till the summer of 2028.

The 22-year-old has joined the Ligue 1 side in a deal worth £34.3m (€40m). The Gunners will receive £25.7m (€30m) in initial fee and a further £8.6m (€10m) in potential add-ons. The North London side have also inserted a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause in his deal.

Official, confirmed. Folarin Balogun has joined AS Monaco on deal in excess of €40m package, €30m plus significant add-ons structure 🇲🇨

Arsenal will have sell-on clause, it was always crucial point in negotiations.

It will be bit less than 20%. #AFC pic.twitter.com/Smbg2cIrQL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2023

The United States international leaves the Emirates after 12 years, having been at the club since the age of 10. Despite his impressive performances for Reims, he failed to register even a single appearance for Mikel Arteta’s side this campaign.

The young striker found himself sitting behind Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the preference hierarchy. The North London club signed Kai Havertz this summer to play as a centre-forward which further pushed him down the pecking order. Therefore, a move to Monaco could help Folarin Balogun move ahead in his career.

Did Arsenal Make The Right Decision By Selling Folarin Balogun?

As established before, Arsenal already have Gabriel Jesus as a number 9. Eddie Nketiah is another striker available for Mikel Arteta, although he lacks the experience. Moreover, the North London side brought in Kai Havertz from Chelsea as a centre-forward signing.

Cashing in on Balogun and utilising the funds to sign another player was certainly the best option for the Gunners. With the American creating a good reputation for himself over the last season, Arsenal have managed to negotiate quite a good deal for the youngster.

On the other hand, a move to Monaco makes perfect sense for Folarin Balogun. The 22-year-old striker will get more game time in Ligue 1 and will also get the much-needed experience of playing in a top team. Whereas there is no guarantee of how much game time he will have at Arsenal.

The USMNT striker has certainly shown great potential and only lacks the experience to be one of the best strikers in Europe. A move to France would help the young forward develop tactical discipline and become more clinical. Meanwhile, Arteta could use the cash to make more signings in the January window.

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