Folarin Balogun, in an exclusive interview with ESPN, has shed light on his departure from Arsenal during the summer and his final conversations with Mikel Arteta. He detailed that upon his return from Stade Reims, Arteta initially didn’t provide extensive insights. Balogun mentioned that Arteta commended his efforts and encouraged him to persist in his journey. However, it became evident that significant decisions regarding his future were being made at the higher echelons of the club.
Arteta conveyed that he would attempt to involve Balogun in the team as much as possible but clarified that crucial determinations were being orchestrated by the club’s higher-ups. Balogun emphasized that while his interactions with Arteta were positive, the discussions primarily revolved around the club’s strategies and decisions regarding player roles.
It’s conceivable that Arteta was part of these deliberations, likely alongside Edu Gasper. Balogun’s account hinted that Arsenal had likely made their stance early in the summer. The presence of established players like Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah made it challenging for Balogun to secure a prominent spot. Given Balogun’s ambition and reluctance to settle for a backup role, it seemed like a straightforward decision for Arteta and Arsenal.
The departure of Balogun raises questions about whether Arsenal might regret this decision in the future. Some pundits have raised an alternative perspective, suggesting that Eddie Nketiah could have been a candidate for departure, especially considering recent criticisms of his form. Ian Wright even proposed that Kai Havertz could potentially offer a more effective focal point for the team, sparking a debate regarding the choices Arsenal made in the transfer window.
