One of the summer transfer window’s most coveted strikers is reportedly on the move.
United States forward Folarin Balogun is set to move from Arsenal to AS Monaco this week, as the two clubs are on the verge of finalizing an agreement for the 22-year-old. Balogun, who scored 21 goals in the French top flight last season, will be staying in Ligue 1 after all despite interest from England and Italy in his services.
Balogun: A burgeoning star
In May, Balogun officially switched his international allegiance from England to the United States, just in time for the CONCACAF Nations League. Balogun produced a deft finish in the final to put the final out of reach and deliver the United States’s second Nations League title.
Balogun’s exploits in Las Vegas followed up a breakthrough campaign on loan at Reims. The Brooklyn native was one of the league’s top five scorers, although Reims only finished 11th. Upon returning to Arsenal — the club he joined as a seven-year-old — Balogun signaled his intent not to leave on loan again, leading the Gunners to sort out a permanent transfer.
Monaco: A reputation for developing talent
Monaco are known for buying and developing young players for low prices and ultimately moving them own for an immense profit. Just this summer, Monaco sold center-back Axel Disasi to Chelsea for $48.6 million, a year after Real Madrid purchased midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni from the Monegasque side for $86 million.
Other sales in recent years from the Ligue 1 giants include defender Benoit Badiashile to Chelsea, Thomas Lemar to Atletico Madrid, and of course, Kylian Mbappe to PSG.
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