Tottenham given 'green light' to sign former Arsenal player in blockbuster £51m transfer

Tottenham's prolific summer spending looks set to continue as a former Arsenal player has given them the 'green light' to sign him.

Spurs have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs this summer and have overhauled their squad after a disappointing 17th place finish last time out.

The Lilywhites have spent a combined £237 million on established top-flight stars Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes, while also doing some shrewd business in the free market with the additions of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka.

Roberto De Zerbi can be pleased with the improvements he's made to his squad, but with less than three weeks to go until the September 1 deadline, the Italian will be looking to bolster his forward line.

A move for Manchester City winger Savinho is possible after the Brazilian agreed personal terms with the north London side. At the same time, De Zerbi also wants a striker to compete with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

Solanke was described as one of the best strikers in England's top flight by the Tottenham boss last week, though the injury-prone Englishman was left out of their 1-1 draw with Getafe after feeling a pain in his ankle.

That has raised doubts over his availability for their opening Premier League game of the season against Brentford in 10 days, while forcing Spurs to speed up their recruitment drive in that position.

Florian Balogun gives 'green light' to join Tottenham

It was reported last week that Monaco centre-forward Florian Balogun was interested in a move back to the Premier League.

Monaco completed the signing of the USMNT international from Arsenal for £35 million in August 2023, and he's since become one of Europe's best strikers.

After making just 10 first-team appearances for the Gunners, Balogun has since produced 44 goal involvements in 91 appearances for the French giants, including 19 goals in all competitions last term.

The 25-year-old then carried his club form into the World Cup, striking three times at the tournament before his side were thrashed 4-1 by Belgium in the last 16.

Balogun controversially appeared in that game after FIFA overturned his one-match ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Now, he could be on his way back to the Premier League, with Spurs launching negotiations to secure his signature, according to Foot Mercato.

They claim that 'initial discussions' have taken place between the two clubs after Monaco slapped a €60m (£51m) asking price on his head.

What's more, Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has reported on X that Balogun has given Spurs the 'green light' to sign him after emerging as De Zerbi's 'priority'.

Aouna states that while no offer has been made, discussions are 'progressing' between both parties, increasing the possibility of him signing for Arsenal's arch-rivals.

"He is one of our players. I know he's going to receive a lot of offers given his last season and his World Cup performance," new Monaco boss Filipe Luis said when asked about his player's future.

"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."