Spurs made a surprise offer for a former Arsenal striker in a deal that might break the usual “unwritten transfer rule” for the World Cup star.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been offered a World Cup star who once played for Arsenal.
Roberto De Zerbi has already brought in several new players this summer. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes joined Spurs from Newcastle United and West Ham United for a combined £185 million.
De Zerbi also signed central defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson came in on free transfers, and Martin Dubravka joined as a backup goalkeeper behind Guglielmo Vicario and Antonín Kinský.
Captain Cristian Romero looks like he will be moving to Inter Milan, with reports saying the clubs have agreed on a £34 million deal.
Even after spending over £220 million this summer, Spurs seem eager to add more players. They are reportedly interested in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup. Reports from Portugal say Spurs have made a £47 million bid for Schjelderup.
On August 4, The Sun reported that USMNT and AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun has been offered to Spurs through middlemen. De Zerbi wants to bring in competition for Dominic Solanke.
Balogun’s agents have directly approached Spurs with an offer, and the club is seriously thinking about making an official bid. Monaco is also willing to sell if the price is right.
Balogun, who is under contract with Monaco until 2028, impressed at the World Cup by scoring three goals to help the co-hosts reach the round of 16. Last season, the 25-year-old scored 18 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Before joining Monaco in 2023, Balogun had two loan spells at Reims and Middlesbrough while still contracted to Arsenal. He joined Arsenal’s academy in 2008 and made his first-team debut in 2020 during a Europa League game. Over all, he made 10 appearances for Arsenal, scoring twice and assisting once before moving abroad.
Spurs are also interested in Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, although no talks have happened between the clubs yet. Aston Villa and Newcastle are also watching the Senegal striker closely.
Tottenham are looking at Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen too, but his high price, likely between £60-70 million, might make negotiations tricky.
Last week, De Zerbi said that when he wants to sign a player, he’s like a shark that doesn’t let go. “In the transfer market, when I want one player, I become like a shark. No chance to say no!” he told Football London.
“The transfer market isn’t over yet. We’ve completed about 60% of our project. Now we have another big signing coming!”
The transfer window closes on September 1.