Tottenham step up £51m pursuit of Folarin Balogun
· Yahoo Sports
Roberto De Zerbi is at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their pursuit of AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, with the North London club actively exploring a transfer that could cost up to £51 million, according to L’Equipe.
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Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi has made strengthening his attack a priority for the final weeks of the transfer window, following a £240m outlay to bolster other areas of the squad.
Intermediaries first offered Balogun’s services to Tottenham earlier this month, and talks have gathered momentum in recent days.
The 25-year-old United States international has established himself as a reliable focal point in Ligue 1 since joining Monaco in the summer of 2023, scoring 31 goals in 91 appearances.
Balogun further elevated his reputation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making headlines with three goals in four matches for the USMNT before being at the centre of a suspension controversy involving FIFA president Gianni Infantino. His relentless pressing, sharp channel running, and link-up play fit the exact profile De Zerbi wants from his striker.
While Monaco initially set a premium asking price of around €60m to maximise their return, negotiations remain fluid with Balogun entering the final two years of his contract at Stade Louis II.
Any potential deal carries an extra layer of North London intrigue. Balogun spent 15 years in Arsenal’s youth system at Hale End and made 10 first-team appearances before moving to France. As part of that transfer, Arsenal negotiated a 17.5% sell-on clause, meaning the Gunners stand to receive a significant financial payout should their rivals finalise a deal with Monaco.
Despite the rivalry narrative, Tottenham remain focused on a deal for Balogun. With personal terms not expected to be an obstacle, Spurs have their sights set on further summer business ahead of De Zerbi’s first campaign in charge.