Balogun admits he was frustrated not to be given game time by Arteta during Arsenal's USA Tour
Published: March 18, 2023
England U21 international of Nigerian descent Folarin Balogun has opened up on his decision to depart Arsenal in search of regular first team football last summer.
The Hale End Academy product saw the handwriting on the wall that he wasn't in the plans of manager Mikel Arteta for the 2022-2023 season after he was starved of game time during the Gunners' United States tour in July 2023.
One of the seven players classed as strikers in the 33-man squad, Balogun was a non-playing substitute against Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea, much to his frustration.
After a chat with Arteta, it was decided it was best for the Anglo-American-Nigerian center forward to join a club in the top five European Leagues.
Balogun has been one the revelations of the season in the French Ligue 1 with some brilliant displays for Stade de Reims, scoring sixteen goals in twenty six appearances.
The 21-year-old is the youngest player to score at least sixteen Ligue 1 goals in his first season for more than sixty years, and equaled Victor Ikpeba's Nigerian record of the most goals in a single season.
"Last summer, I went on tour with the first team to America. And I didn't get any playing time out there, so I was a bit frustrated," Balogun said to Arsenal's official website.
"It's one of my dreams to just play in the first team. I had to be realistic at the same time.
"I spoke to Mikel (Arteta) and he gave me a few options. And together, we decided it'd be best for me to come to France."
Balogun signed a contract extension with Arsenal in 2021, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until the end of the 2024-2025 season.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'Not at his best' - Lazio coach gives honest verdict on Dele-Bashiru after injury comeback
- 'Chelle was convinced' - Eguavoen reveals backstory behind Papa Daniel's first Super Eagles call-up
- UEL: St Mirren legend slams Dessers over intention to con referee into awarding a penalty
- 'Not a bad team' - Eguavoen explains what's holding Arsenal back from Premier League title
- Lazio midfielder Dele-Bashiru makes his comeback from injury after Super Eagles snub
- England squads announcement: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool starlets among 8 Nigerians called up
- 'We know' - Osayi-Samuel warns Fenerbahce teammates to be ready for Rangers counter-attacks
- Official: AS Trencin confirm Emmanuel Uchegbu has joined MLS club Charlotte FC
- 'Names no longer win matches' - Osimhen urges Super Eagles teammates to be switched on for WCQs
- Germany squad announcement: Boost for Nigeria as Freiburg goalkeeper Atubolu left out


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- New88
- hi88
- RR88