Arsenal transfer news: Folarin Balogun has paid tribute to the Gunners after he sealed a permanent move to AS Monaco
Folarin Balogun has sent a heartfelt message to Arsenal after his 14-year association with the club came to an end.
Following a 21-goal season for Reims in Ligue 1 Balogun returned to Emirates Stadium in the summer looking for first-team minutes, however with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus ahead of him in the pecking order it was something the Gunners could not provide.
Aware of his future likely being away from north London, numerous clubs entered the race for his signature with Inter Milan as the early frontrunners. Ultimately, though, the Italian giants chose to sign Gianluca Scamacca from West Ham instead after feeling priced out of a move by Arsenal.
However, AS Monaco soon submitted an opening bid to Arsenal which was initially rejected, before improving that offer to reach an agreement with Mikel Arteta's side.
On Instagram, alongside a picture of himself from a young age, he wrote: "With a heavy heart I say my goodbyes to my boyhood club. I was 8 years old when I first came to the Hale End and every academy player who walks through the gates and dreams of making their debut for the first team. I was lucky enough to fulfil that dream."
"There were so many people in the club who supported me and played a major role in my development on and off the pitch. My teammates, the coaches, the staff - thank you to all of you and I am grateful for the times we shared.
"It's time for a new challenge and one that I'm excited for. Thank you Arsenal football club it was an honour to wear the badge."