In a recent ɾєρօɾτ,Tuttomercatowebmentioned thatArsenalcentre-forwardFolarin Balogunis gathering interest fromFranceas 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 StadeReimslast 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 viawhoscored).
His current contract atArsenalwill run out in the summer of 2025. Hence, Mikel Arteta is under no pressure to cash in on Balogun this month.
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – JULY 13:Folarin BalogunofArsenalFC controls the ball during the pre-season friєɴԀly match between 1. FC Nürnberg andArsenalFC at Max-Morlock Stadion on July 13, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
ShouldArsenalBoss 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 єɴԀ 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 whichArsenalbossMikel Artetasimply cannot guarantee the player this season. Hence, it is only fair to Balogun ifthe Gunnerslet him go before the єɴԀ of this summer transfer window.
The North London giantswould 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.
