Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign a former Arsenal striker to improve Roberto De Zerbi's forward line this summer
Tottenham have reportedly been offered the chance to sign former Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun. The 25-year-old has been the subject of discussions between the Lilywhites and intermediaries, according to reports.
Balogun's representatives are claimed to have contacted Spurs directly with a proposal for the Monaco star, who came through Arsenal's academy. The striker is said to be available for a 'competitive fee.
The frontman's long-term future at the Ligue 1 club remains uncertain, and his availability makes him an attractive option following the intermediaries' approach, according to the Sun. Monaco would be required to sanction his exit still after he scored 19 goals in 31 matches last term.
The French side signed Balogun from Arsenal in 2023 in a deal worth up to £35million, with the forward previously enjoying loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims. Mikel Arteta's side are due a 17.5% sell-on clause from any deal agreed for the striker's transfer.
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Balogun made just two league appearances for Arsenal before leaving, but had built a solid reputation during his time coming through the ranks since the age of 10. Having been prolific in academy football, he bagged 22 goals for Reims before signing a five-year deal with Monaco.
Since joining the Ligue 1 side, Balogun has scored 31 goals and made 13 assists in 91 appearances. He looked set to be one of the World Cup's standout performers in the summer, scoring three goals in four matches
His time at the tournament was overshadowed after being at the heart of a scandal when red-card punishment was suspended for a year following communication between US President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino.
Balogun received his marching orders in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina after accidentally hitting the back of Tarik Muharemovic's leg with his studs. It was only following VAR intervention that Balogun was shown the red card, but the controversy was far from over.
The forward was permitted to feature in the subsequent round against Belgium following considerable pressure from the host nation, including from Trump and his administration. "I think it's an absolute disgrace, I really do," declared Wayne Rooney, speaking as a pundit for the BBC.
"I know it's UEFA but I got a three-game ban before Euro 2012. I was due to miss the three group games and I got told if I went over to Switzerland and did a training session with a bunch of kids, my third game would get taken off. I agreed to do it because I didn't want a three-game ban but I thought that was wrong.
"For this to be suspended, they either take the red card away, which is probably the right decision, and then he can play. But to suspend it for a year? I think it's an absolute disgrace. Infantino should be ashamed of this.
"The sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I'm USA's opponent, I'd be absolutely fuming. It's wrong in every way. If you're an England player tonight or a Mexican player, and you get a red card, do you expect to be playing the next game? Where does it stop?"