TRANSFER UPDATE: EVERTON LEADS RACE FOR BALOGUN AS £43M PRICE TAG SET
Everton have moved to the front of the queue ahead of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland in the pursuit of United States international Folarin Balogun — though the 24-year-old centre-forward will not come cheap, with his current club setting an asking price of around £43 million.
Balogun, who has spent the past two seasons impressing in Ligue 1, is actively seeking a return to English football, with Goodison Park emerging as his preferred destination at this stage. Monaco has formally notified several Premier League sides that the striker is available for a package matching their valuation, leaving interested parties with a clear financial hurdle to clear.
A key detail in any deal involves his former club Arsenal, who inserted a 17.5% sell-on clause when Balogun departed in 2024. Should the transfer go through at the stated £43 million fee, the Gunners will receive roughly £7.5 million as part of the agreement — a return that reflects the club’s long-term planning when negotiating his exit.
Balogun’s profile makes the price tag understandable. A graduate of Arsenal’s academy, he has developed into a clinical, mobile forward, scoring 31 goals in 91 appearances for Monaco and shining on the international stage with the United States. His ability to play across the frontline and run in behind defences fits the style many Premier League sides now favour.
While multiple clubs have registered interest, Everton’s early engagement and clear project have given them an edge. The Toffees see him as the striker to lead their attack for years to come, though they face a tough negotiation: Monaco have made it clear they will not accept lower offers, nor rush the sale.
Talks are expected to progress in the coming days, with personal terms still to be finalised if the fee is agreed. For Balogun, it represents a chance to establish himself back in the league where he began, while for Everton, it signals their ambition to strengthen and secure a proven goalscorer.
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