Folarin Balogun says player released by Arsenal is an inspiration to him

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Folarin Balogun has suggested that Alexandre Lacazette was an inspiration for him during his time at Arsenal, as the two strikers prepare to face each other on Friday.

Folarin Balogun was speaking – in comments reported by Monaco’s official website – as the Principality side look to inflict more misery on Lyon after their awful start to the Ligue 1 season.

Alexandre Lacazette is one of the top scorers in the French top-flight this term. He has found the back of the net six times. Only two players have managed to score more often.

Folarin Balogun says Alexandre Lacazette was an inspiration while at Arsenal

And the problem for Les Gones is that their other players have only scored another eight goals. They now sit bottom of the table of the table, having lost nine of their opening 15 games.

And Monaco will hope to make it 10 losses in 16 on Friday. The game presents Balogun with the opportunity to reunite with former Arsenal teammate Lacazette.

And ahead of the fixture, Balogun shared how influential Lacazette had been on his career to date.

“I’m happy to see him again on Friday because he gave me advice when we were both at Arsenal, and I was still a young player,” he said, as reported by the club’s official website.

“Last season we talked a lot together when we met. He has a lot of experience. He is a clinical striker in front of goal, a good finisher. He is also capable of taking up space and making a connection with his teammates. I was inspired by his character.”

Gunners never saw Frenchman’s best goalscoring form

In fairness, Lacazette has been exceptional in front of goal since being released by Arsenal. He has now scored 33 league goals, with 27 coming last season.

The Gunners however, surely made the right call to let him go. Unfortunately, the club never saw that kind of strike-rate during his time at the Emirates. He never scored more than 14 league goals in a single campaign.

The interesting one could be Balogun. He appeared to be coming through at just the wrong time for Mikel Arteta. And, understandably, he did not appear to be prepared to play a backup role in North London.

So there will be plenty of eyes on his form following his move across the Channel.