Folarin Balogun shares what Mikel Arteta actually told him just before he left Arsenal

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Arsenal have had to say goodbye to a number of talented young players in recent years.

Indeed, as the Gunners’ team continues to evolve, the Hale End graduates get less and less chance to shine.

Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah both left the club this summer, while this trend began last year when Folarin Balogun was sold to Monaco.

Speaking to JD Sports, Balogun has been discussing his Arsenal departure, stating that when he spoke to Mikel Arteta before his departure he was told in no unclear terms that he wouldn’t get many minutes at Arsenal.

Upon hearing that, Balogun made the decision to leave Arsenal, and he says that it wasn’t too difficult a decision to make.

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Folarin Balogun discusses Arsenal exit

Balogun spoke about the conversation he had with Mikel Arteta before he left Arsenal.

“I remember speaking to Mikel and we just spoke about his plans and he said that he wouldn’t be able to guarantee me the same amount of games I got last year. That was understandable, but from my point of view, I needed those games to improve and learn different things,” Balogun said.

“It wasn’t so much of a big decision, I feel like it was a decision that is sometimes just the right decision.”

Folarin Balogun made the right decision

Folarin Balogun says that it was easy to decide to leave Arsenal, and that’s because it was the right call.

Realistically, Balogun would’ve been the fourth-choice striker last year if he’d stayed at Arsenal as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah would all have been ahead of him in the pecking order.

That would’ve seriously stunted his development.

Instead, Balogun has been playing regularly for Monaco, and while he’s had his ups and downs in Ligue 1, there have been some bright moments.

At the age of just 23, Balogun has plenty of time on his side as he strives to reach the top of the game.