Mikel Arteta said Arsenal simply didn’t have enough room in their squad to keep Folarin Balogun.
The American international enjoyed a joyful spell on loan at Reims last season, scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1 during a prolific campaign.
Folarin Balogun return to North London in the summer, hoping to force his way into Arteta’s first team plans.
But after failing to make an impact in pre-season, the writing was on the wall.
Several Premier League and Serie A clubs registered interest in the 22-year-old striker.
But he eventually settled on a return to France, after Monaco offered a £35m deal that includes a 17.5% sell-on clause.
Why did Arsenal sell Folarin Balogun
When asked about why did he let the striker go, who has such an impressive goals record,
Arteta said: “We didn’t have space for him now in the squad to give him the minutes that he needs.
He did really well last year in his loan period. He’s going to a great club that has huge experience in developing young talent as everybody knows, so I’m really happy for him as well.”
With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already on the books at Emirates Stadium,
Arsenal were unable to find room for Balogun within their plans.
They have now made a tidy profit on a product of their famed academy system.
While also including a sell-on clause in their deal with Monaco, and everybody is happy.
Folarin Balogun path into the first team at Arsenal was partly blocked by fellow Hale End Academy graduate.
who on thursday was able to celebrate his first call-up to the senior England squad.
In the end, Balogun is set to return to Ligue 1 with Monaco, in a deal that should suit Arsenal quite nicely.
Selling their academy player at price of €45m with a sell-on clause to potentially bring more in later
It is also to get that kind of money from a Ligue 1 club not named PSG is also not an easy task.
