Former Arsenal player now 'interested' in transfer amid Spurs interest as unthinkable move plotted

Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is interested in a transfer this summer amid surprise interest from Spurs, it has been reported.

Balogun, who now plays his club football for Monaco, was heavily involved in United States' run to the last 16 of the World Cup.

Though he was unwittingly at the centre of one of the biggest controversies of the tournament, when FIFA suspended his one-match ban for being sent off in the round of 32, the 25-year-old scored three goals in his five appearances.

He scored 19 goals in all competitions for Monaco last season, having been sold to the French principality club by Arsenal for a fee of €30 million in what was, at the time it happened in 2023, a transfer that divided the Arsenal fanbase.

Their north London rivals Spurs are searching for a new centre forward, with manager Roberto De Zerbi having already bolstered his midfield and defence.

There remains what appears to be an outside possibility of their captain Cristian Romero crossing the divide to go to Arsenal in what would be a shock transfer, though Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are credited as the favourites to sign him.

READ MORE: First Spurs to Arsenal transfer in 25 years could happen as star 'open' to controversial switch

De Zerbi told reporters last week that he was close to a transfer 'bomba' - a major new signing - though the club's latest signing remains the £100 million deal for Sandro Tonali which was announced on July 6.

According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Balogun is keen on a move back to the Premier League this summer and is exploring a move away from Ligue 1, having now spent three years in France.

"I think the player himself will be interested in a move away from the principality if the right opportunity came up," O'Rourke stated. "He's just one of those players that's on the radar for Tottenham."

Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and even Sunderland have all been credited with an interest in Balogun at different stages of the summer, with all three clubs able to offer European football for next season.

Spurs cannot after finishing 17th in the Premier League last term, but that hasn't stopped them from attracting some significant talents to the club under De Zerbi's management.

Monaco boss speaks out over Balogun rumours

New Monaco head coach Filipe Luis was asked by reporters earlier this week about Balogun - and said he expected there to be significant interest from other clubs in acquiring his services.

"He is one of our players," former Chelsea left-back Luis said. "I know he's going to receive a lot of offers given his last season and his World Cup performance.

"He's a special player. You don't find many players on the market with his attributes.

"If he stays, I'll be really, really happy to have him with us."