His international journey was also eventful as he chose to represent the USA and made his debut for the national team in June against arch-rivals Mexico. Departing North London, Balogun's tenure with Arsenal involved just 10 appearances, during which he found the net twice over a span of two and a half years, mostly spent on the fringes of the club's first team.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reveals that a deal between Arsenal and Monaco for Balogun's permanent transfer to Ligue 1 has been reached in the final stages of the summer transfer window. The reported package, totaling €40 million (£34.3 million), includes various add-ons. This move is seen as Monaco's effort, under Adi Hutter's management, to present a substantial challenge to Paris Saint-Germain at the summit of the league this season.
Pending successful medical tests in France this weekend, Balogun is expected to be officially welcomed to the club. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are believed to have negotiated a significant sell-on clause in the deal, ensuring they receive a substantial share of any future transfer fee if Balogun moves on.
While there were suggestions that London rivals Chelsea might enter the race for Balogun, with reports indicating their contact with Arsenal for a potential deal, the American international is set to return to Ligue 1. In the 2022-23 Golden Boot race, he only trailed Kylian Mbappe, Alexandre Lacazette, and Jonathan David. Balogun aims to forge a potent partnership in Monaco's attack alongside Frenchman Wissam Ben Yedder, especially with Swiss international Breel Embolo sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury until the next year.
Currently leading the Ligue 1 standings, Hutter's team has garnered seven points from their initial three matches against Clermont, Strasbourg, and Nantes. Balogun might have a chance to make his debut for Monaco when they face Lens at Stade Louis II Stadium on September 2, with Monaco aiming to extend their unbeaten start to the fourth match.
