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Arsenal: 5 mistakes of the summer transfer window

By Ross Kennerley

TERESOPOLIS, BRAZIL - MAY 21: The General Coordinator of the Brazilian national football team, Edu Gaspar, attends a press conference at Granja Comary Training Center for the first phase of preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia on May 21, 2018 in Teresopolis, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
TERESOPOLIS, BRAZIL - MAY 21: The General Coordinator of the Brazilian national football team, Edu Gaspar, attends a press conference at Granja Comary Training Center for the first phase of preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia on May 21, 2018 in Teresopolis, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Mikel Arteta
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Folarin Balogun of Arsenal looks dejected as he is consoled by Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal following defeat in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

4. Folarin Balogun Should Have Been Loaned Out

When it became apparent that Lacazette had no nibbles and Nketiah would be staying put, Folarin Balogun should have been loaned out. No question.

If he can’t get into the squad for a Carabao Cup second round tie then there is no point in him being with the senior setup this season. He’s still only a teenager, but there would be no shortage of suitors for him, just as there were plenty eyeing him on a pre-contract agreement back in January.

Miguel Azeez is a fine example. Better than Under-23 football but not yet ready for senior Arsenal level, a season-long loan to Portsmouth was the wisest option. League One level where he can play every week under a manager who Arsenal know well is an excellent move.

Balogun will now get only dabbles here and there for the whole campaign, likely not even making squads most of the time while his teammate is playing at a decent level every single week.

Lacazette is No. 2 behind Aubameyang and it appears as if Gabriel Martinelli is next down that list, leaving Flo to pick up the scraps.

Hopefully this is something that can be revisited in the winter window if and when Aubameyang returns from AFCON.

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