Tottenham Hotspur have opened formal discussions to sign AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
The 25-year-old has emerged as a serious transfer target for Spurs, with talks advancing rapidly in recent hours over a fee of around £51m, equivalent to €60m.
Balogun came through Arsenal’s youth system but was unable to break into Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
He went out on loan on a couple of occasions to develop his game, and showed early promise at Stade de Reims during the 2022/23 season, making 24 goal contributions in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Arsenal ultimately decided not to integrate him into their squad and instead allowed him to join Monaco permanently in 2023 after that encouraging loan spell.
After taking time to settle at the club, Balogun hit his stride last season, scoring 19 goals and registering four assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for the French side.
He then transferred that club form onto the international stage, scoring three goals in four matches for the USA at the World Cup to underline his credentials as an elite forward.
With Balogun’s contract at Monaco running until 2028, L’Equipe report that the club could be open to selling him this summer, with several English and Spanish clubs, including Newcastle United, monitoring his situation closely.
However, Tottenham have moved quickly to the front of the queue and are now in active discussions to secure the forward’s signature before the new season gets underway.
Balogun is primarily a striker but can also provide cover on the flank, and brings pace, aerial ability, strong hold-up play, and a natural poacher’s instinct inside the penalty area.
Having previously been part of Arsenal’s setup, the USA international is already familiar with the physical demands and pace of Premier League football.
Tottenham currently have Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as their central striking options, though Richarlison has entered the final year of his existing contract, adding urgency to Spurs’ pursuit of a new frontman.