Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a shock move for Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun.
The north London side are in the hunt for a Harry Kane replacement following his big-money move to Bayern Munich. They have signed young striker Alejo Veliz from Rosario Central but new manager Ange Postecoglou is keen to add more firepower to his attack before the transfer window slams shut.
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun is one of the options under consideration by Tottenham to replace Kane.
Balogun, 22, notched 22 goals and three assists across 39 appearances in all competitions on loan at Stade de Reims. The USA international, whose contract at the Emirates Stadium is set to run until June 2025, has been clear in his desire to avoid going on loan again. The striker is open to leaving Arsenal permanently this summer as he feels he has proved he can operate at the highest level.
The report adds Balogun’s performances have also caught the attention of Inter Milan, who view him as the perfect replacement for Romelu Lukaku.
Folarin Balogun to Tottenham—Right move?
Harry Kane’s mega-money switch to Bayern Munich means there is a gaping hole in the centre of Spurs’ frontline, which Ange Postecoglou should look to fill. Postecoglou currently has Richarlison, Son Heung-min and Alejo Veliz as options up front, although the latter is a player for the future and unlikely to play regular football this season.
Armed with £100m following Kane’s sale, the new Tottenham boss wants to splash the cash on a new striker and has surprisingly set his sights on Folarin Balogun. A youth product of the Arsenal academy, Balogun—having struggled to find regular game time at the Emirates Stadium—joined Stade de Reims on loan last season. The 22-year-old enjoyed a stellar season with Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 with 22 goals in 37 games, demonstrating that he has the attributes required to play at the highest level.
However, it is believed that Arsenal are ready to cash in on Balogun this summer as Mikel Arteta can’t offer him regular first-team football, having already got Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz at his disposal. As a result, Tottenham are trying to take advantage of Balogun’s situation and sign the player.
Quick, strong and clinical in front of goal, Balogun would be a perfect fit in Postecoglou’s high-pressing system at Spurs. At 22, the United States forward has a long way to go in his career and could fulfil his huge potential under the watchful eyes of Postecoglou. All in all, he could turn out to be a great long-term acquisition for Tottenham.
However, having come up through the youth ranks at the Emirates Stadium, it remains to be seen whether Folarin Balogun would opt to join Arsenal’s bitter rivals, or if the Gunners would even be willing to do business with Spurs.
