In a recent report, Tuttomercatoweb mentioned that Arsenal centre-forward Folarin Balogun is gathering interest from France as Monaco are hoping to sign him this summer. It has been stated that the French club are eager to sign the United States talent from the Gunners this month.
Balogun’s Impressive Loan Spell In French Football
Balogun enjoyed a decent loan spell at Stade Reims last season as he managed to prove his worth as a reliable goal-scorer for them in Ligue 1. The American striker scored 22 goals and grabbed three assists in 39 matches for the French club in the previous campaign across all fronts.
The 22-year-old was a valuable contributor in the final third based on his average of 3.5 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in Ligue 1. However, he was a bit untidy with his ball distribution after completing 72.5% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Arsenal will run out in the summer of 2025. Hence, Mikel Arteta is under no pressure to cash in on Balogun this month.
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Let Balogun Go This Summer?
Balogun can engineer a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in on-target. He can be a prolific goal-getter on the attacking end of the pitch when he is playing with confidence on the pitch. Balogun is primarily a centre-forward but can also function as a winger on either flank if needed.
The French sensation can create some decent plays for others around him in the opponent’s half and can even make a few promising runs with the ball up top. However, the talented youngster has to find a way to improve his ball distribution in the final third.
At 22, Balogun has got a bright future ahead of him. However, he needs to ensure regular playing time to fulfil his potential which Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta simply cannot guarantee the player this season. Hence, it is only fair to Balogun if the Gunners let him go before the end of this summer transfer window.
The North London giants would be better off cashing in on him and using the money generated from his potential sale to improve other areas of their match-day squad.
