According to a report published by GOAL on Monday, October 19, 2026, former Arsenal and Monaco midfielder Gilles Grimandi believes Folarin Balogun has the potential to make a successful return to the Premier League but doubts that the striker will rejoin Arsenal.

The American forward has gained recognition through his performances for Monaco. However, Grimandi feels the 25-year-old would have a better chance of succeeding at another English club than attempting to secure a place in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad.

Balogun progressed through Arsenal's Hale End academy but found it difficult to obtain regular first-team football. After spending time on loan at several clubs, including French side Reims, where he impressed, the striker joined Monaco on a permanent deal in 2023.

His performances improved considerably during the 2025/26 season, when he scored 19 goals in all competitions and demonstrated his qualities as a centre-forward.

Despite his progress, Grimandi believes the competition for attacking positions at Arsenal would make a return to the club particularly challenging.

In an interview with GOAL, the former Gunners midfielder praised Balogun's ability but expressed doubts about whether he could establish himself ahead of Arsenal's existing attacking options.

Grimandi specifically mentioned Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres, arguing that the level of competition at Arsenal makes it difficult for strikers to meet the club's demanding expectations.

"He's a good player, he's a good player in Ligue 1. I don't think he can go back to Arsenal. It's quite complicated, they already have [Kai] Havertz and [Viktor] Gyökeres. So even top players, it's complicated for them to perform in this position at Arsenal," he explained.

While dismissing the possibility of an Arsenal reunion, Grimandi suggested that Everton could provide Balogun with a suitable opportunity to continue his career in England.

The Merseyside club reportedly attempted to sign the striker during the summer of 2026, agreeing to a deal worth £40 million. However, the transfer eventually fell through following problems during the medical process.

Balogun has remained open to the possibility of returning to English football, despite the collapse of the proposed Everton move. The striker has indicated that a future Premier League transfer remains an option he would consider.

His immediate focus, however, is on improving his situation at Monaco. Following a minor knee injury, he has reportedly featured three times as a substitute this season but is yet to score in the 2026/27 campaign.

A return to regular action and an improvement in his performances could put him in a stronger position to attract attention from English clubs in the next transfer window.

Arsenal could also receive a financial boost from any future transfer involving Balogun because they reportedly secured a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause when they sold him to Monaco in 2023.

For now, a return to Arsenal appears improbable, but the striker's ambitions of playing in the Premier League again remain alive.

Should Balogun regain his scoring form and find a club willing to provide consistent first-team opportunities, he could still establish himself as an effective striker in English football.