Tottenham have made the first move towards improving their forward line for Roberto De Zerbi this summer but Arsenal could stand to benefit from the club's actions
Tottenham's latest transfer move could see Arsenal earn millions. Spurs are said to have instigated proceedings over a €60million (£51.2m) transfer for Folarin Balogun.
Spurs have 'laid the groundwork for discussions' with Monaco over a deal for United States star striker Balogun, per L'Equipe. The 25-year-old started his career with Arsenal before moving to the Ligue 1 side in 2023 for a £34m deal.
The Gunners made a big profit having nurtured Balogun from the age of 10, but Tottenham face filling Arsenal's coffers further should they want to bring the forward back to north London. Then sporting director Edu negotiated a 17.5% sell-on clause in the deal that saw Balogun leave the Emirates, football.london understands.
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Should the US World Cup star, now represented by Jorge Mendes, move this summer, the additional funds Arsenal are set to receive will see the money earned from Balogun become the most the club have received for a player.
While Tottenham would not want to provide too much of a boost to their rivals by signing the forward who scored 19 goals in 45 matches across all competitions last term, they face some stiff competition. Newcastle and a number of sides from Spain have been linked with making a move for the American.
Spurs' senior forward options currently centre around Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Mathys Tel. Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that the former Bournemouth sharpshooter will remain his first choice.
"I like him as a player, I like him as a guy," he said. "There are not many strikers better than Dom Solanke in the Premier League.
"I think he changes the quality of performances depending on the confidence he feels. First of all, we have to finish the transfer market, and then we speak better about Solanke.
"Anyway, I want to keep him, because I like him as a player, he's complete as a striker. He can attack the space, he can cover the ball, he's able with the ball to link, he's able to score 15-20 goals in the Premier League."
The Italian head coach has admitted there is uncertainty over the future of Richarlison, however. The Brazilian has entered the final year of his contract.
"I don't understand [the situation] well because sometimes he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave," De Zerbi explained. "We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem [between us], he is a lovely guy."
"For me, he is still an important player," he added. "It is not easy to find another striker like Richarlison. He scores goals. He knows the way.
"He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score."