Arsenal transfer given 'HERE WE GO' by Fabrizio Romano
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 29 Aug 2023 10:42 BST
- 4 min read
Folarin Balogun’s move from Arsenal to AS Monaco has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who has stated the transfer is ‘here we go’ done.
The United States of America international has travelled to Monaco to undergo his medical at the club today (29 August) in order to complete his permanent move to the Principality.
The club are now undergoing the final steps before the move is formally announced, as per Romano. Arsenal will receive €40 million for Balogun, plus the Gunners have also included a sell-on clause in his Monaco contract.
READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
Balogun, 22, spent last season on loan in Ligue 1 and netted 22 goals in all competitions for Stade Reims, attracting interest from across Europe in the process.
Premier League side Chelsea were interested, but Arsenal’s reported asking price stood as high as €58m (£50m). However, Monaco have negotiated that fee down to a total package of €40m, which was agreed on Saturday (26 August).
Inter Milan were the early front-runners for Balogun’s signature after they decided against signing Romelu Lukaku permanently, but the San Siro side eventually pulled out of the race for the USA striker.
READ MORE: Deadline Day: Every confirmed transfer around Europe
Balogun has not trained with the senior Arsenal squad for several weeks, according to reports, and has not been included in the matchday squad for any of their three Premier League fixtures so far in 2023-24.
Holding to follow Balogun out of Arsenal?
In addition to the imminent exit of Balogun, fellow Arsenal star Rob Holding is also close to departing The Emirates.
Romano has reported that La Liga sides Mallorca and Sevilla are interested in the 27-year-old Englishman, who was courted by Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas last week, according to L’Equipe.
Holding has one year left on his Arsenal contract and is expected to leave the club before the transfer window shuts on Friday, despite Jurrien Timber’s ACL injury.
