Kevin Hatchard says AS Monaco are making ‘serious moves’ by closing in on the transfer of Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun.
The 22-year-old scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 for Stade de Reims last season and now he is set to make a return to France’s top-tier, with the Arsenal star set to end his 15-year association with the London club.
European football expert Hatchard thinks that Folarin Balogun now has a ‘real chance’ to ‘establish himself’ at Monaco because such strikers ‘thrive’ under their newly-appointed manager, Adi Hutter, as he posted on Twitter.
There will be some Arsenal fans questioning why they aren’t keeping the Hale-End star on board because they could probably do with added depth in the number nine area.
But that’s where the problem lies, Balogun doesn’t want to be a squad player or sit on the bench, but you can’t blame the player, especially after he tasted such success last season.
Either way, with Balogun set to leave the Emirates – Fabrizio Romano posted on Twitter that it could be announced today (Wednesday, 30 August) – Hatchard shared how the player could thrive in his new surroundings.
“Monaco making some serious moves,” said Hatchard.
“Strikers tend to thrive under Hütter, and with Embolo injured, there’s a real chance for Balogun to establish himself.”
Balogun to take his game to the next level
This is a big move from the player and a bold statement that he isn’t willing to sit on Arsenal’s bench and wait for his chance.
It’s still early days, but Monaco, under the stewardship of Adi Hutter, have made a strong start to the new season, sitting top with seven points, with their manager dubbed as ‘smart’ for the freshness he has brought to the table.
If Balogun can score the number of goals he netted for Stade de Reims, then there isn’t any reason why Monaco can’t push PSG for the title.
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