Folarin Balogun netted an impressive brace against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, prompting Arsenal fans to question the club’s decision to sell him.
Arsenal sold Balogun for £35 million back in the summer of 2023, and the striker has since forged a solid career over in Monaco.
Who would you rather starting for Arsenal right now: Folarin Balogun or Viktor Gyokeres?
Mikel Arteta did not really give the 24-year-old much of a chance during his time at the Emirates Stadium, handing him just 10 appearances for the Gunners.
The striker really impressed Arsenal fans during the Champions League play-off game against the defending champions, and they are questioning his limited chances in N5.
Arsenal fans slam Mikel Arteta’s treatment of Folarin Balogun
Arsenal fans have been slamming Arteta’s treatment of Folarin Balogun during the striker’s time in the first team.
The Monaco striker was one of the biggest talents to emerge from the Gunners’ Hale End academy; however, his chances were few and far between under the Spaniard.
Mostly, Arsenal’s deal to sell Balogun for £35 million made a lot of sense, but it would have been interesting to see him get far more minutes at the club.
The striker netted two goals in the first half against PSG, although the French and European champions still came from behind to win.
After watching his performance against the side which knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League last season, the fans have been reacting on social media.
One fan was delighted to see PSG losing: “Folarin Balogun, Hale End product cooking PSG already. We are revenging tonight!”
Meanwhile, another fan simply questioned: “Why did Arteta let Balogun go?”
🤔 Did Arsenal do a good or bad deal selling Folarin Balogun for £35M?
“Balogun is better than Gyokeres right now,” stated another fan who was unhappy with Viktor Gyokeres’ poor form.
There were yet more question marks over his sale: “Arteta really prioritised Eddie over Balogun. One’s cooking PSG in the Champions League, the other is third-choice at Palace.”
Finally, another added: “Balogun starts for Arsenal right now. I’ve seen enough.”
Mikel Arteta explained Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun sale in 2023
Following a successful loan spell at Stade Reims, Arteta revealed that Balogun wanted to make the move to Ligue 1 permanently and join Monaco.
Speaking back in 2023, Arteta said: “He was doing well last year in his loan period. He’s evolving the right way and wanted the chance to continue developing his career.
“He’s going to a really good club that has a huge experience of developing talent, as everybody knows. So I’m really happy for him as well.”
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