Folarin Balogun has an embarrassing debut for Monaco after leaving Arsenal.

Folarin Balogun has an embarrassing debut for Monaco after leaving Arsenal.

Folarin Balogun began his Monaco career by being booked for diving four minutes into his debut, despite the French club won comfortably at the time.

Monaco signed the 22-year-old USMNT from Arsenal last month for £25.8 million ($32 million) plus £7.9 million ($10 million) in add-ons. Monaco is hoping that the striker can recreate his Ligue 1 form from last season, when he scored 21 goals in 37 league appearances for Reims.

Balogun came on in the 74th minute as Monaco cruised to a 3-0 victory over RC Lens. Wilfried Singo scored in the 24th minute, and Aleksandr Golovin added a goal immediately before halftime. Guillermo Maripan then put the game out of reach in the 59th minute, just before Balogun came in.

However, Balogun’s debut did not go as planned, as the striker was booked for diving just four minutes into his Monaco debut. Balogun demanded a penalty after rounding keeper Brice Samba and collapsing with minor contact, prompting the referee to reprimand him.

Balogun also blew a wonderful chance to open his Monaco account, shooting into the side netting following a good opening run. It was a difficult decision for the striker to quit Arsenal, and Gunners coach Mikel Arteta has confessed that the North London club simply did not have the place for him.

With a probable second consecutive title race with Manchester City on the horizon, Arsenal’s favourite alternatives to lead the line are Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah, and Gabriel Jesus. “We didn’t have enough space in the squad to give him the minutes he needed,” Arteta remarked ahead of his Manchester United match.

“He was doing well in his loan period last year.” He’s growing in the correct direction and wants the opportunity to advance his profession. As everyone knows, he’s moving to a really good club with a lot of experience developing potential. So I’m delighted for him as well.” Folarin Balogun has an embarrassing debut for Monaco after leaving Arsenal.

And should Balogun fulfil his potential, Arsenal have inserted a whopping 17.5 percent sell-on clause in his Monaco transfer. Having already been sold for a potential future total of $42.5m, a big-money move later on in his career could see the Gunners pocket north of eight figures.

“With a heavy heart, I say goodbye to my boyhood club,” Balogun stated in an Instagram farewell statement. “I was eight years old when I first came to Hale End, and every academy player walks through the gates dreaming of making their first team debut.” I was fortunate enough to realize that desire. There were many people at the club who encouraged me and helped me develop both on and off the field.

“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and staff – I’m grateful for the times we shared.” It’s time for a new challenge, and I’m looking forward to it. Thank you very much, Arsenal Football Club. It was a privilege to wear the badge.”