The future of Folarin Balogun is once again generating speculation after Gilles Grimandi, a former Arsenal and AS Monaco player, assessed the possibility of the American striker returning to the London club. Although Balogun remains open to a return to the Premier League, Grimandi believes he would not significantly improve Mikel Arteta's current attacking options.
Folarin Balogun Finds His Place in Ligue 1 as Gilles Grimandi Rules Out Arsenal Return
The former Arsenal and AS Monaco player praised Folarin Balogun's qualities and believes he can play in the Premier League, although he does not see a place for him in Mikel Arteta's current team.
📺 Don’t miss the Ligue 1 only on beIN SPORTS
Why Could Folarin Balogun Miss Out on an Arsenal Return?
Speaking to GOAL, Gilles Grimandi explained that Folarin Balogun would face a difficult path back into the current Arsenal squad, mainly because of the level of competition in Mikel Arteta's attack.
“I don't think he can go back to Arsenal. It's quite complicated, they already have Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres,” Grimandi said.
The former Arsenal and AS Monaco player also praised the United States striker's qualities, but believes he would struggle to offer an upgrade on the options already available to Arteta.
“I don't think Balogun can add more than what Arteta has right now. But he's a good player, he did well last season, he plays good football, he knows how to exploit space and he has good technique,” Grimandi told GOAL.
Balogun's Development Since Leaving Arsenal
Folarin Balogun joined Arsenal's youth academy at the age of eight but never managed to establish himself as a regular starter for the first team.
Following loan spells at Middlesbrough and Stade de Reims, where he impressed with his goalscoring ability, the striker completed a permanent move to AS Monaco in August 2023.
During the 2025-26 season, the American international recorded 19 goals and three assists across all competitions, earning the club's Player of the Season award as voted by supporters.
Despite that progress, Grimandi believes Balogun's future could lie with another English club rather than a return to the Emirates Stadium.
The Failed Everton Transfer and His Premier League Future
During the summer 2026 transfer window, Everton came close to signing the American striker in a deal initially valued at approximately £40 million.
However, the transfer collapsed after complications emerged during his medical examination. Although negotiations between the clubs resumed, Balogun ultimately decided against completing the move to the Merseyside club.
Despite that setback, the forward has not ruled out returning to English soccer. Speaking to talkSPORT, he acknowledged that playing in the Premier League again remains a possibility for his career.
Grimandi, meanwhile, believes Balogun does have the level required to return to English soccer and suggested Everton could have been a suitable destination.
“I think he can play in the Premier League, of course, but the level at Arsenal is so high right now that I'm not sure he can help the team achieve what it wants,” the former player told GOAL. He also said Everton would have been “a good choice” for the striker.
What Does the Future Hold for Folarin Balogun in 2027?
For now, Balogun remains at AS Monaco, where he is looking to regain momentum after overcoming knee problems that affected the beginning of his season.
The striker has yet to score during the 2026-27 campaign and has seen limited playing time in the opening matches.
Additionally, Balogun's future at Monaco remains open ahead of the winter transfer window. Club CEO Thiago Scuro acknowledged in September that the ideal plan is to find a solution for Balogun in January, although he stressed that the market will depend on several factors.
Meanwhile, Grimandi's comments highlight an important distinction: Balogun may have a future in the Premier League, but that does not necessarily mean Arsenal will be his next destination.
Folarin Jolaoluwa Jerry Balogun
AS Monaco FC
