Former Arsenal’s Balogun sets the record straight on exit decision and Mikel Arteta’s involvement
Folarin Balogun, Arsenal’s former 22-year-old forward, revealed that high-profile figures up at the club were one of the reasons behind the decision to sell him. According to reports, Balogun made it clear that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had no part in the trade decision.
Balogun’s future at Arsenal was surrounded by speculation, particularly during the summer pre-season tour in the United States, where fans expected the youthful star would show off his abilities and compete for a spot in the next Premier League season. Balogun’s career seemed good after a successful loan period with Stade Reims, when he scored an amazing 22 goals in Ligue 1.
Balogun said, “[Arteta] didn’t really say much, he just said that – when I came back he just said well done, and he encouraged me to keep going,”
“Then me coming back in a pre-season, it was just more about me seeing whether I fit into his plans and seeing if I can continue to play some games.”
“He said that he would try to get me involved as best as he could, but of course he also told me that the people higher up were making decisions on me and seeing what would be best for me. So the conversations between me and him were good, but it was more about the club, what they wanted to do.”
However, Balogun got limited playing time on the US tour and was subsequently transferred to Monaco in a €45 million deal. Arsenal, in the middle of a summer signing chaos, appears to have decided to split ways with the homegrown star, a financially advantageous move for the club.
Balogun stated a desire for a prominent part at Arsenal, but with players like Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Jesus in the squad, possibilities appeared limited. Balogun has made a bright start to his new career at Monaco, scoring three goals and adding an assist in his first five appearances for the Ligue 1 leaders.
The decision taken by Arsenal’s higher-ups over Balogun’s future continues to raise issues, especially as Arsenal looks for a new striker in the market, with Ivan Toney from Brentford a possible target.
See More:
- Cesc Fabregas tells how Mikel Arteta can get more out of Declan Rice
- Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus hinted at frustration over his role in the team
