Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly accelerating a move to sign Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, but they have a better option available to them right in front of their eyes in the Premier League.
In terms of their defence and midfield, Tottenham are ready to go ahead of the new season, but Roberto De Zerbi is yet to add the attacking upgrades he wants with less than a fortnight to go until they kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to Brentford.
According to GMS sources, Spurs want to bring both Savinho and Cody Gakpo in from Manchester City and Liverpool respectively, but they are unlikely to make progress on those deals until their rivals have secured replacements.
De Zerbi suggested in recent weeks that there could be two or three more arrivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, including the aforementioned duo, with the possibility of a striker also joining.
While any move could depend on Richarlison leaving, L'Equipe claimed on Tuesday night that the north London club are now accelerating a £51m move to sign the USA international.
Romano: 'Nothing Concrete' on Balogun Joining Tottenham
Responding to the rumours on Wednesday morning, Fabrizio Romano has denied that Spurs are ramping up their interest in the 25-year-old former Arsenal striker.
The Italian journalist says that while Saudi clubs and Galatasaray have contacted Monaco over the conditions of a deal, there is 'nothing concrete' in links with Tottenham.
Balogun is being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe following an outstanding 2025-26 campaign which saw him score 19 goals for the Ligue 1 outfit, before netting a further three for his country as they hosted the 2026 World Cup.
The striker isn't the only one where there is a deal to be done if Tottenham want to do it, according to a top Spurs source on X, with Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta another option.
Why Tottenham Must Sign Jean-Philippe Mateta Instead
A move for Balogun would seem risky for a few reasons, not least the fact that he is an ex-Arsenal player who fans could turn on quickly should he get off to a bad start.
De Zerbi has also clearly made having Premier League experience a key prerequisite for his summer targets, with all six arrivals so far having plenty of it, with Savinho and Gakpo also fitting that criteria.
Balogun has made two English top flight appearances in his career, which is in stark contrast to Mateta's record at this level.
The Frenchman has been on the scene for so long it may be a surprise that he has only just celebrated his 29th birthday, but he still has plenty to offer to a club like Tottenham.
He is tall, he is strong and, most importantly, he has shown he is a clinical finisher in the box, as shown by 12 goals in 32 Premier League appearances for the Eagles last term.
Opta have described him as being 'among Europe's best strikers' and it isn't hard to see why, with Wayne Rooney one of the pundits who have waxed lyrical about him in recent years.
He’s been one of the best forwards in the league over the last two seasons - Rooney, speaking in 2025.
With less than one year remaining on his contract, there will also be an expectation that the 29-year-old will be a much cheaper option than the £51m fee mooted for Balogun, which could prove to be a bargain - especially in the short-term, as De Zerbi looks for immediate success.