Monaco to Sell Folarin Balogun in January: Arsenal Set for £7m Windfall

Monaco ready to sell Folarin Balogun in January as Arsenal eye 17.5% sell-on windfall

Monaco are actively planning to move Folarin Balogun on in the January transfer window, according to Standard. The striker's exit would trigger a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause for Arsenal, handing Mikel Arteta's side a financial boost without them re-entering the market directly.

Headline: Monaco are planning to sell Folarin Balogun in the January transfer window.
Arsenal clause: 17.5 per cent sell-on from his original €40 million (£34.2m) sale.
No buy-back: Arsenal have no buy-back option in the deal.
Fitness: Balogun has yet to feature this season because of a knee injury.
Previous move: A £40 million Everton deal collapsed late on Deadline Day.
Stakes: Any January exit generates an Arsenal windfall and could tempt Premier League clubs.

Deal details

Balogun left Arsenal for Monaco in a €40 million (£34.2m) sale. The agreement included no buy-back clause but did contain a 17.5 per cent sell-on. If Monaco sell him in January, Arsenal receive that percentage of the profit, giving them a financial boost without needing to negotiate directly.

Everton previously agreed a £40 million deal with Monaco for Balogun in the summer, but the transfer collapsed late on Deadline Day. Concerns emerged around how the process had been handled, and the breakdown remains part of the conversation.

Injury and availability

Balogun has yet to feature for Monaco this season because of a knee injury. A return against Lens has been left open, but the club's broader plan to sell him appears settled regardless of when he returns to the pitch.

What was said

"Balogun's allegation is that I'm not feeling well because of the way the club treated me,"
— Thiago Scuro, Monaco chief, on the player's frustrations

"I'm not feeling well because Everton's medical department brought doubts about my future or my health."
— Thiago Scuro, Monaco chief, detailing Balogun's concerns

"I have nothing (no medical problem), so I'm not comfortable to sign a long contract here."
— Thiago Scuro, Monaco chief, on Balogun's mindset

"The original plan is to find a solution for Balogun. If we find that, it will give Monaco the opportunity to keep Lamine and Golovin until the end of the season."
— Thiago Scuro, Monaco chief, on the club's transfer strategy

"That is the ideal plan, but we can't control the decisions and what will happen in the winter."
— Thiago Scuro, Monaco chief, on January uncertainty

Scuro's words lay bare a breakdown in trust. Balogun felt uneasy amid Everton's parallel interest in Joshua Zirkzee, and the medical department's doubts left him uncomfortable signing a long contract. Those concerns became public, damaging Everton's credibility. For Monaco, the priority now is finding a solution that allows them to keep Lamine and Golovin until the end of the season.

Why Balogun's January exit matters for Arsenal and Everton

Folarin Balogun remains a Monaco player, but his future is already being planned away from the club. The 17.5 per cent sell-on means Arsenal profit from any January sale without lifting a finger. If Monaco recoup close to the £34.2 million they paid, Arsenal could bank a seven-figure sum. That is pure profit for Mikel Arteta, who can reinvest it in his squad or balance the books.

For Everton, the story is a warning. They agreed a £40 million deal in the summer, only for it to collapse amid mistrust. Balogun felt the club's parallel interest in Joshua Zirkzee sent mixed messages, and Monaco's medical department raised doubts that made him uncomfortable. Those issues went public through Thiago Scuro, and the damage to Everton's reputation lingers. If they revisit the deal in January, they must rebuild confidence quickly.

Other Premier League clubs seeking a striker with resale value may now enter the race. Balogun has Premier League familiarity from his time at Arsenal, and at 24 he still has scope to improve. However, his knee injury complicates any move. A return against Lens would help, but clubs will want assurances over his fitness before committing £40 million.

Monaco's plan to keep Lamine and Golovin until the end of the season hinges on selling Balogun. That gives them a clear incentive to find a buyer in January. Arsenal, Everton and any other interested parties will be watching closely.

Talking points

Should Arsenal consider re-signing Balogun if Monaco sell him cheap, or is the sell-on clause enough?
Everton's recruitment process looks reactive; can they afford another public collapse in January?
Balogun's injury record makes a £40m move risky, but his potential resale value still tempts clubs.
Monaco's willingness to sell suggests they have already moved on from Balogun as a key player.

What happens next

Monaco will seek a January buyer for Balogun. His return against Lens could prove pivotal in showcasing his fitness. Arsenal will monitor the situation, knowing any sale triggers their sell-on clause. Everton must decide whether to revisit a deal that previously fell apart, while other Premier League clubs may enter the fray. The winter window will reveal whether trust can be rebuilt.

Frequently asked questions

Is Folarin Balogun leaving Monaco in January?

Yes, according to Standard, Monaco are actively planning to move Balogun on in the winter window.

Do Arsenal have a sell-on clause for Balogun?

Yes, Arsenal inserted a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause when they sold him to Monaco for €40 million (£34.2m). There is no buy-back clause.

Why did Balogun's Everton transfer collapse?

Balogun felt uneasy amid Everton's parallel interest in Joshua Zirkzee, and concerns arose over how the process was handled, including doubts raised by Everton's medical department.