Spurs offered former Arsenal forward in deal that could break 'unwritten transfer rule' for World Cup star

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been offered a World Cup star who previously played for Arsenal.

Roberto De Zerbi has already welcomed several players to Spurs this summer, with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes arriving from Newcastle United and West Ham United for a combined fee of £185million.

De Zerbi has recruited central defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while Marcos Senesi and Andrew Robertson have joined as free agents, along with third-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, with the veteran set to act as back-up to Guglielmo Vicario and Antonín Kinský.

Club captain Cristian Romero looks set to join Inter Milan, with reports suggesting a £34million deal has been agreed between the clubs.

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And despite spending over £220million already during the window, it appears the north Londoners will look to recruit further.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in both Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup, with reports from Portugal suggesting Spurs have tabled a £47million bid for the latter.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (August 4), The Sun reported that USMNT and AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun has been offered to Spurs through intermediaries, with De Zerbi looking to recruit competition for Dominic Solanke.

The forward’s representatives have approached Spurs directly with a proposal, with the Lilywhites seriously considering tabling an official offer, while Monaco are also open to a sale at the right price.

Balogun, who is contracted to Monaco until 2028, impressed during the World Cup, with his three strikes helping the co-hosts reach the round of 16.

At club level, the 25-year-old netted 18 times in 40 appearances across all competitions last term.

Before joining Les Rouge et Blanc back in 2023, Balogun enjoyed two loan spells at Reims and Middlesbrough while he was still contracted to Arsenal.

The striker first joined Arsenal’s academy in 2008 and went on to make his first-team debut for the Gunners in 2020 during a Europa League clash.

In total, the American made 10 appearances for Arsenal, producing two goals and one assist before moving abroad.

Spurs are also reportedly keen on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, although no direct discussions have been held between the clubs at this time, with Aston Villa and Newcastle also monitoring the Senegal international’s situation.

Tottenham are also reportedly considering Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, although a likely £60-70million price tag may prove to be a sticking point in potential negotiations for the Nigerian.

De Zerbi ‘like a shark’ in transfer window

Speaking last week about the potential of more summer signings, De Zerbi compared himself to a shark when he identifies a player he wants to sign.

"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, it's not finished for sure, but we completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another bomba!"

The transfer window closes on September 1.