Arsenal officially announce departure of their most prized asset

Arsenal Football Club has officially announced the departure of Folarin Balogun, who has joined Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in a permanent transfer. The news was released through a statement on Arsenal’s official website.

Balogun, a 22-year-old forward, joined Arsenal at the age of 10 and progressed through the club’s academy, achieving success in various youth categories. He signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in February 2019.

The young striker made his senior debut for Arsenal as a substitute in a 3-0 home win against Dundalk in the UEFA Europa League in October 2020. He then scored his first senior goal for the club just under a month later in a 3-0 away win against Molde in Norway.

In January 2022, Balogun went on loan to Championship side Middlesbrough for the second half of the 2021/22 season, where he gained valuable experience by making 18 appearances and scoring three goals.

Last season, Balogun enjoyed another loan spell, this time with Ligue 1 side Reims. He had an impressive campaign, finishing joint fourth in the French league’s goalscoring charts with 21 goals from his 37 appearances.

Balogun ended his successful season in France by declaring his choice to play for the US men’s national team. He represented his country of birth in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League and made an impact by scoring in the final to help secure silverware for the USA as they defeated Mexico 2-0.

Arsenal expressed their gratitude to Balogun for his contributions to the club and wished him well in his new chapter at Monaco. The Gunners acknowledged his journey from their academy to the first team and expressed their hopes for his health and happiness moving forward.