Arsenal struck gold by selling promising young star

Arsenal have undergone a major transformation in recent years, largely driven by manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has turned the team into Premier League title contenders and made the club an attractive destination for top players.

Arteta has also improved Arsenal’s transfer dealings, as evidenced by some shrewd player sales. A prime example is the departure of a promising academy graduate the manager once highly rated.

That player is striker Folarin Balogun, who Arsenal sold to Monaco for £34 million in 2023. Arteta had previously called Balogun “something special” after an impressive loan spell at Reims where he scored 22 goals in 39 games.

However, selling Balogun has proven to be excellent business for Arsenal. While still a talented player, his form at Monaco has been solid but unspectacular with 11 goals in 42 appearances so far.

At 22, Balogun looks set for a good career in a top European league. But Arsenal cashed in at the perfect time, receiving a hefty fee for a player who likely wouldn’t have featured much in their first team plans.

Ultimately, Arteta and Arsenal struck gold by selling Balogun when his stock was highest. It’s another example of the club’s improved transfer strategy under the Spanish manager’s leadership.