Tottenham step up £51m pursuit of Folarin Balogun | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their pursuit of AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun

The Premier League club are actively exploring a transfer that could cost up to £51 million, according to L’Equipe.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has made strengthening his attack a priority for the final weeks of the transfer window, following a £240m outlay to bolster other areas of the squad.

Intermediaries first offered Balogun to Tottenham earlier this month, and talks have gathered momentum in recent days.

The 25-year-old United States international has established himself as a reliable focal point in France since joining Monaco in 2023, scoring 31 goals in 91 appearances across all competitions.

Balogun further elevated his reputation at the 2026 World Cup, making headlines with three goals in four matches before being at the centre of a suspension controversy involving FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

His relentless pressing, channel running and link-up play fit the exact profile De Zerbi wants from a striker.

With two years left on his current contract at Stade Louis II, Monaco are open to sanctioning an exit this summer.

Any potential deal carries an extra layer of intrigue. Balogun spent 15 years in the Arsenal set-up and made 10 first-team appearances before moving to France.

As part of that transfer, Arsenal negotiated a 17.5 percent sell-on clause, meaning they stand to receive a significant financial payout if their rivals finalise a deal with Monaco.

Despite the rivalry narrative, Tottenham are focused on signing Balogun. With personal terms not expected to be an obstacle, Spurs have their sights set on further summer business ahead of De Zerbi’s first campaign in charge.