“now I can be completely honest…” Folarin Balogun bound thoughts considering Arteta constant favoritism of some players ahead of him even though he is far better than them

Arteta consistently refused to use the star player maybe because he prefers Havertz against the wish of many Chelsea fans.

Balogun ‘not afraid’ of price tag after leaving Arsenal

After a successful loan spell in Ligue 1 last season, Folarin Balogun has moved permanently from Arsenal to AS Monaco.
Balogun appears to be taking the £34.3m price tag in stride, buoyed by advice and support from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Folarin Balogun’s £34.3m transfer to AS Monaco is supported by mentoring from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Despite a successful season at Stade de Reims, Balogun is fully aware of the competitive challenges that await him at Monaco.

Arsenal maintain a financial interest in Balogun’s future with a 17.5% sell-on clause.
Transfer details: Setting the context
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and Clermont Foot 63 at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northestern France, on August 14, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during the French L1 football match between Stade de Reims and Clermont Foot 63 at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, northestern France, on August 14, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP via Getty Images)
The United States international recently made headlines with his £34.3m transfer to AS Monaco, following a loan stint at Stade de Reims.

Balogun’s move back to Ligue 1 was one of the transfer sagas of the summer before Monaco agreed to the fee.

A legend’s guiding hand
Monaco’s French head coach Thierry Henry looks on during the French L1 football match between Lyon (OL) and Monaco (ASM) on December 16, 2018, at the Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu near Lyon, central-eastern France. (Photo by ROMAIN LAFABREGUE / AFP)
Monaco’s French head coach Thierry Henry looks on during the French L1 football match between Lyon (OL) and Monaco (ASM) on December 16, 2018, at the Groupama Stadium in Decines-Charpieu near Lyon, central-eastern France. (Photo by ROMAIN LAFABREGUE / AFP)
Prior to the transfer, Balogun had insightful discussions with Thierry Henry.

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Henry, the Arsenal legend who once graced the Monaco team as both a player and coach, has been tracking Balogun’s trajectory and has become a significant presence in the young footballer’s life.

“After we (Reims) played here he contacted me to congratulate me on my game,” Balogun remarked.

“I knew he had played here and he told me a bit about the club and that it’s a beautiful place.

“That was it, really. But even after my first training session here (yesterday), he texted to say congratulations on the move. It’s a good feeling to have the support of someone like him.”

Outlook and expectations
Folarin Balogun Arsenal exit -Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Stade de Reims at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on March 12, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Reims’ English forward Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and Stade de Reims at the Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) in the Principality of Monaco on March 12, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
Balogun’s previous season under the guidance of Will Still at Stade de Reims was notably successful; he netted 22 times in all competitions.

However, he doesn’t expect a starting position to be handed to him at Monaco and looks forward to learning from his experienced teammate, Ben Yedder.

“I believe that you get the best results in life when you’re not comfortable,” Balogun explained.

“So that’s why I’ve taken myself out of my comfort zone, away from my family and friends, to improve as a player.

“There was competition at Arsenal and I wouldn’t expect to come to another top club and not face competition.

“But for me [Ben Yedder] is a legend and I’m looking forward to playing alongside him and learning from him. I expect to produce here and a lot of the pressure is internal. Obviously, the price tag brings expectations, but I’m not afraid of that.”