Arsenal do have a sell-on clause on Monaco striker Folarin Balogun but not a buyback option, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist claims that, based on the information he has received, the Gunners will only get a percentage of any future sale, rather than a chance to bring him back for a specific fee at a later date:
“Monaco and Arsenal never mentioned a buy-back clause in the news I received in August, so at the moment what I know is that it’s permanent transfer and nothing else; there’s a sell-on clause for sure, that is 100% confirmed, but I don’t know if any other clauses were discussed by the clubs.”
As Romano says, he’s not ruling out other clauses, but it appears that Arsenal were prepared to let Balogun go for €40m (£34m) without any prospect of him returning to the Emirates in the future.
Will Arsenal regret letting Balogun go?
After scoring 21 times out on loan at Stade de Reims last campaign, many supporters were hoping that manager Mikel Arteta would give the striker a chance.
However, a foot injury meant Balogun missed most of pre-season, and he made substitute appearances in just two friendlies against Nuremberg and MLS All-Stars before being shipped out to Monaco.
It was disappointing that the American wasn’t afforded a fair opportunity to impress Arteta. If he goes on to score shedloads for his new club this season, questions will need to be asked.
Balogun was desperate for first team football
It should also be pointed out, though, that the 22-year-old was very much pressing for a move away from the London club.
Balogun was not interested in going out on loan again, and he was not open to signing a new contract either so, in some respects, the Gunners were left with little choice but to sell him this summer.
