Mikel Arteta explains the reason Arsenal sanctioned £34m transfer ahead of Man United clash
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why the club decided to let Folarin Balogun leave for Monaco during the summer transfer window.
Balogun enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 campaign on loan with Ligue 1 side Reims, netting 21 league goals in the process. That kind of form, combined with the fact that he is still just 22 years old, led to some Gunners supporters urging Arteta to give the young striker a chance this season.
But with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard all ahead of him in the pecking order, Balogun opted to leave in search of guaranteed game time, completing a £34million move to Monaco on Wednesday afternoon. Now, Arteta has explained the thinking behind the deal, admitting the Hale End academy graduate just would not have been given the minutes he desired in north London.
When asked why he allowed Balogun to leave, the Spaniard said: «We didn’t have now space for him to give him the minutes that he needs. He did really well on his loan.
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»He wanted to continue to develop. He’s gone to a club with a good record of developing youth."
Once the transfer window slams shut later tonight, Arteta will be solely focused on preparation ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will be desperate to get back to winning ways against Erik ten Hag and Co, having drawn last weekend at home to Fulham.
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