A familiar Arsenal trend in the past month continued at the weekend as more loanees bade farewell to their respective clubs as the final matches in domestic leagues across Europe took place.
This list includes Folarin Balogun, perhaps the most successful member of this season's loan army, as he netted for Reims in their 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Montpellier. That strike took the striker's tally to 21 in Ligue 1 which is a very respectable output in what was his first full experience of senior football.
As a result, a big decision with regard to the 21-year-old's future awaits. With an exit in the summer transfer window on the cards due to competition for places in attack, some Gunners supporters are of the opinion that the newest USMNT star should help raise £40million in funds.
READ MORE: When Declan Rice to Arsenal transfer can be completed as West Ham delay over first bid explained
Elsewhere in France, Nuno Tavares was a second half substitute as Marseille's campaign ended in a 1-0 loss against Ajaccio but injury cost Nicolas Pepe a chance to make a final Nice appearance against Lyon and a reunion with former Arsenal teammate Alexandre Lacazette.
Get Football News France have since delivered a verdict for both players' loan spells and it doesn't quite make for good reading as Tavares received a 4/10 rating: 'Six goals for Arsenal loanee Tavares makes for positive reading, but that only tells half the story," the review states.
"Three of those goals came in the first four matches of the season. Whilst there are few doubts that Tavares is a major asset going forward, he has been repeatedly exposed for his defensive naivety and consequently, his wing has been targeted by the opposition.
"Alongside Jonathan Clauss on the opposite wing, Tavares was one of Marseille’s most important defensive outlets, especially in the first half of the season, but once his attacking output tailed off, his defensive shortcomings were accentuated. It hasn’t just been a mixed season on the pitch for the Portuguese wing-back."
Whereas Pepe received an even lower rating - although there is the caveat that his second half the season was disrupted with an ongoing knee injury. Having said that, Arsenal's club-record £72million signing 'returns to his parent club with his reputation – and his price tag – diminished'.
Arthur Okonkwo was an unused substitute as Sturm Graz beat LASK 2-0 and will now enter the Champions League in the third qualifying round. Runar Alex Runarsson wasn't involved as Alanyaspor were beaten 5-1 by Trabzonspor and Ovie Ejeheri kept a clean sheet as SJK drew 0-0 with an HJK side that included ex-Gunners youngster Dejan Iliev in between the sticks.
Pablo Mari and Monza's campaign may have ended with a 5-2 loss away at Atalanta but overall it's been a great season for the club. Avoiding relegation with six games to spare means the Spaniard is to join the Serie A side for £5.9million as per the terms of the loan agreement and all that remains is an official announcement from both clubs.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal and Chelsea handed huge Moises Caicedo transfer update as 'contract agreed'
Edu identifies £50m Arsenal transfer to give Mikel Arteta dream Granit Xhaka replacement
Serge Gnabry repeats Arsenal commitment with clear message amid return transfer links
Ilkay Gundogan breaks silence on Man City future amid Arsenal and Barcelona transfer battle
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice latest, Ilkay Gundogan deal, James Maddison message
