Rio advises Balogun to leave Arsenal

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Folarin Balogun may have to follow Charlie Patino’s lead to the Arsenal exit door this summer.

Both Balogun and Patino, who have emerged through the Gunners academy, have spent this term away from north London on loan spells.

Balogun has been hugely impressive during his stint at Ligue 1 side Reims, scoring 18 goals in 32 appearances in France’s top division.

Patino’s loan spell has been more challenging. After an encouraging start to life at Championship side Blackpool under Michael Appleton, the 19-year-old midfielder struggled to hit top form and then lost his place in the team under Mick McCarthy.

He has started three of the last five games under the interim management of Stephen Dobbie, but the Tangerines were relegated to League One last Friday courtesy of a 3-2 home defeat to play-off-chasing Millwall.

A technically skilled player, Patino’s has developed his physicality, with this his first season of regular senior football.

The Athletic reported earlier this week that Patino would rather move away from the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis rather than agree to another loan, and he is said to be set to leave the club this summer.

Rio advises Balogun to leave Arsenal
5th May 2023
folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun

Agency Report
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Folarin Balogun may have to follow Charlie Patino’s lead to the Arsenal exit door this summer.

Both Balogun and Patino, who have emerged through the Gunners academy, have spent this term away from north London on loan spells.




Balogun has been hugely impressive during his stint at Ligue 1 side Reims, scoring 18 goals in 32 appearances in France’s top division.

Patino’s loan spell has been more challenging. After an encouraging start to life at Championship side Blackpool under Michael Appleton, the 19-year-old midfielder struggled to hit top form and then lost his place in the team under Mick McCarthy.

He has started three of the last five games under the interim management of Stephen Dobbie, but the Tangerines were relegated to League One last Friday courtesy of a 3-2 home defeat to play-off-chasing Millwall.

A technically skilled player, Patino’s has developed his physicality, with this his first season of regular senior football.

The Athletic reported earlier this week that Patino would rather move away from the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis rather than agree to another loan, and he is said to be set to leave the club this summer.

Now, Ferdinand has advised Balogun to consider the same path, given the likely difficulty he will have in overhauling Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to become Arsenal’s first-choice striker.

Rio advises Balogun to leave Arsenal
5th May 2023
folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun

Agency Report
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Folarin Balogun may have to follow Charlie Patino’s lead to the Arsenal exit door this summer.

Both Balogun and Patino, who have emerged through the Gunners academy, have spent this term away from north London on loan spells.




Balogun has been hugely impressive during his stint at Ligue 1 side Reims, scoring 18 goals in 32 appearances in France’s top division.

Patino’s loan spell has been more challenging. After an encouraging start to life at Championship side Blackpool under Michael Appleton, the 19-year-old midfielder struggled to hit top form and then lost his place in the team under Mick McCarthy.

He has started three of the last five games under the interim management of Stephen Dobbie, but the Tangerines were relegated to League One last Friday courtesy of a 3-2 home defeat to play-off-chasing Millwall.

A technically skilled player, Patino’s has developed his physicality, with this his first season of regular senior football.

The Athletic reported earlier this week that Patino would rather move away from the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis rather than agree to another loan, and he is said to be set to leave the club this summer.

Now, Ferdinand has advised Balogun to consider the same path, given the likely difficulty he will have in overhauling Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to become Arsenal’s first-choice striker.

Arteta needs to decide whether to give Patino and Balogun an opportunity to add their names to the club’s list of successful academy graduates – or whether they need to move on.