Arsenal are set to benefit from a significant sell-on clause as former striker Folarin Balogun prepares for a summer move from Monaco. The 24-year-old, currently starring for the United States at the World Cup, is reportedly ready to leave the French club, with a €50 million (£43 million) asking price in place.
Balogun, who scored 19 goals in 43 games for Monaco last season, has impressed at the World Cup, netting a brace in the USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay and coming close against Australia. He became only the second American to score twice in a World Cup match, following Bert Patenaude's hat-trick against Paraguay in 1930.
Balogun's International Switch and Arsenal Exit
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Balogun was eligible for Nigeria through his parents and England, having grown up in London. He represented England at U21 level, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances, but switched allegiance to the USA in March 2023. FIFA approved the change shortly before his permanent transfer from Arsenal to Monaco.
Balogun has revealed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was not behind the decision to sell him. "He didn't really say much, he just said that when I came back he just said well done, and he encouraged me to keep going," Balogun told ESPN. "He said that he would try to get me involved as best as he could, but of course he also told me that the people higher up were making decisions on me and seeing what would be best for me."
Arsenal's Sell-On Clause Details
Arsenal did not include a buy-back clause in the €40 million (£34.2 million) deal that took Balogun to Monaco in 2023. However, according to The Athletic, the Gunners inserted a 17.5% sell-on clause, entitling them to that percentage of any future transfer fee if Balogun is sold before his contract expires.
Monaco are now prepared to cash in, with Balogun ready to seek a new challenge. A return to the Emirates is not expected, but Arsenal could secure a timely windfall from the striker's impending move.
