Monaco appear to be on the brink of acquiring Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun for £40m.

Despite interest from various Premier League clubs, the USA star seems to have set his sights on a move to the Ligue 1 club, following a successful loan spell at Reims last season.

  • Monaco are nearing a £40m deal for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, who has been training away from the first team.
  • Despite interest from other Premier League clubs, Balogun is focused solely on the move to Monaco.
  • Mikel Arteta has considered Balogun surplus to requirements, allowing for his likely departure.

 

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 18: Folarin Balogun #26 of Arsenal FC looks on during the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 18: Folarin Balogun #26 of Arsenal FC looks on during the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

AS Monaco are reportedly finalising a £40m deal for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, with negotiations advancing significantly in the last 24 hours.

Despite interest from various Premier League sides, including Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Tottenham, the USA international appears set on a move to the French side.

Last season, Balogun enjoyed a successful loan spell in Reims and has now been training away from Arsenal’s first team. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has deemed the young forward surplus to requirements, paving the way for his exit.

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Folarin Balogun Arsenal exit -Reims' English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Stade de Reims at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on March 12, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Stade de Reims at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on March 12, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

It was reported earlier this week that the Gunners were in discussions with the Ligue 1 club, expecting a formal offer to materialise by week’s end. Now, with an agreement virtually sealed, the expectation is that Balogun will soon become a Monaco player.

Although some finer details of the deal still require finalising, the major parts of the transfer are in place. This move, once complete, will see Arsenal receive £40m for a player who, despite impressing on loan in Ligue 1 last season, has not found a permanent place in Arteta’s plans.

The impending transfer to Monaco represents a significant step in Balogun’s career.

Reims' English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and Clermont Foot 63 at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northestern France, on August 14, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and Clermont Foot 63 at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northestern France, on August 14, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)

His time on loan at Reims allowed him to showcase his abilities and has undoubtedly influenced Monaco’s decision to pursue the player. Returning to Ligue 1, where he has already demonstrated his talent, provides a logical next step in his development.

Arsenal’s willingness to part with Balogun may reflect a broader strategy under Arteta, focussing on consolidating the squad and making key decisions around player futures.

With this move, Balogun’s departure will also free up funds that could be utilised for other transfer targets as the club looks to rebuild.

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