Report: Everton closing in on £40m deal for former Arsenal star | OneFootball

Everton agree £40m Folarin Balogun deal as striker rebuild gathers pace

Everton have reached an agreement to sign Folarin Balogun from AS Monaco in a deal worth £40m, with the forward now poised to become David Moyes’ long-awaited new number nine. According to TeamTalk, the move has accelerated after talks continued beyond an opening offer that had initially been knocked back.

The key development is clear. Everton have “won the race for the 25-year-old” and “a deal worth £40m has been agreed, with personal terms already in place in principle”. That leaves Balogun on course to head to the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Moyes pushes through a significant reshaping of his attack before the new season gathers speed.

Photo: IMAGO

Balogun transfer moves quickly for Everton

This has been a live pursuit for some time, with Everton determined to secure a central striker capable of leading the line. Balogun, previously of Arsenal and now with Monaco, fits that requirement. The report states he is “set to move to Everton as Toffees manager David Moyes finally gets the new frontman he has been looking for throughout the summer”.

Monaco’s willingness to do business appears linked to wider squad planning. The French side have moved for Matthis Abline and also need flexibility to register another non-EU player. In parallel, Everton are also clearing space. Beto is “set to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium” after an agreement with Fiorentina, a departure that directly opens the path for Balogun’s arrival.

Everton transfer plans stretch beyond one signing

Balogun may be the headline, but the broader Everton transfer picture is even more striking. Iliman Ndiaye is reportedly “set to join Manchester City in a £65million move”, while Jack Grealish is expected to head in the opposite direction. TeamTalk also adds that Everton and Tottenham have “opened talks over Richarlison”, a development that would further transform the club’s forward options.

For now, though, the focus remains on Balogun. Everton appear to have identified their man, agreed the fee, and put the personal terms in place. If completed as expected, this will be one of the most important attacking deals of their summer.

Our View

As an Everton supporter, this feels like the sort of update we have been waiting all summer to hear. Balogun brings profile, pace, movement and proper excitement. When you read that Everton have “finally found their new striker” and that “Everton have their new number nine”, it immediately lifts the mood because this squad has badly needed fresh attacking energy.

The £40m fee is serious money, but this is exactly the point. Everton have to start acting decisively in the market when the right player becomes available. Balogun is at an age where he should be ready to deliver now, while still having room to improve. If Moyes believes he is the right fit, then backing that judgement matters.

What makes this even more exciting is the possibility that this is only one part of a much bigger attacking reset. Grealish returning would add creativity and personality, and the mention of Richarlison instantly gets supporters dreaming. Imagine Balogun through the middle, runners around him, and Everton carrying a real threat again.

Most of all, this report suggests planning and ambition. For supporters desperate to see Everton move forward, that is the biggest encouragement of all.

Source: TeamTalk