Folarin Balogun, the 25-year-old Monaco and USA striker, has been offered to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to reports from The Sun. The New York-born forward, who left Arsenal in 2023 for £35m, could be set for a return to the Premier League after a turbulent period that included a World Cup red card and subsequent political controversy.
Balogun's career so far
Balogun spent three seasons at Monaco after signing from boyhood club Arsenal, where he struggled to break through, scoring just twice in 10 first-team appearances. However, a loan spell at French side Reims in 2022/23 proved transformative, as he netted 22 goals in 39 outings. Monaco signed him permanently after that breakout campaign, and although he has not consistently replicated that form, he did manage 19 goals in all competitions last season.
On the international stage, Balogun has become a key player for the USA. At the World Cup this summer, he scored three goals but was shown a red card in the last-32 meeting with Bosnia-Herzegovina, which would have ruled him out of the last-16 clash with Belgium. However, his ban was suspended after alleged political interference from the US government, and he played in the defeat to Belgium, sparking widespread backlash against FIFA's decision.
Tottenham's striker search
Tottenham are actively seeking a new striker as part of their summer spending, with Balogun now offered to them via intermediaries. Monaco are reportedly open to letting him go for a 'competitive' price. Spurs have also been linked with Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at £65m and would be a more expensive option. Aston Villa are also interested in Jackson, with manager Unai Emery keen to reunite with the Senegal international, whom he previously coached at Villarreal. Villa have the financial firepower after selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m.
Current Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi has Richarlison as an option up front but is uncertain about the Brazilian's future. De Zerbi said last week: 'I don't know because I like him as a player and as a guy. He's unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.' He added, 'I don't know [if he wants to leave]. I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy.'
Impact and context
A move for Balogun would add depth to Tottenham's attack, but his recent goal record and off-field controversies may raise questions. With Richarlison scoring 12 goals last season, De Zerbi acknowledged the difficulty of replacing him: 'For me, he's still an important player because it's not easy to find another striker like Richarlison. Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way. With any new striker, we don't know.'
Balogun's potential arrival at Spurs would mark a significant transfer, given his Arsenal connections and the controversial circumstances surrounding his international career. As the summer window progresses, Tottenham's pursuit of a striker remains a key storyline, with Balogun now added to the list of candidates.
