The £64m powerhouse Spurs must choose to sign over Folarin Balogun

With the defence sorted and the midfield addressed, attentions have turned towards strengthening the forward line at Tottenham Hotspur.

It was not the primary issue during the relegation-threatened season of 2025/26 but is has been one of the biggest problems in pre-season.

Across matches with MK Dons, Auckland, Sydney, Chelsea and Getafe, they have scored a combined seven goals. Yes, Roberto De Zerbi‘s side have hardly been rampant.

Pre-season results do not always matter and they have gone unbeaten across those five matches. Still, improvement is required. Folarin Balogun is one player who could take them to the next level.

Why Spurs are looking at signing Folarin Balogun

There’s something of a Harry Kane-type story to Balogun’s career.

Okay, he wasn’t spat out of the Arsenal academy as a child but like Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer, he did need to leave the Gunners behind for a real shot at making a career for himself in the professional game.

It is safe to say that his decision to leave the Emirates Stadium behind has been a good one. Born in England, but a USA international, he’s not just made fond memories in the States, scoring three goals at the 2026 World Cup, but he’s found a home in France too.

A 22-goal loan spell with Reims in 2022/23 ultimately saw him make the move to Monaco where after a sluggish start, he has now come into his own in the principality.

Monaco is home to the rich and famous and Balogun is quickly proving he very much deserves to mix it with some of the biggest stars of sport and showbiz. His World Cup campaign showcased that, as did his 19-goal season in 2025/26.

In Ligue 1, he netted 13 times. Only four players scored more in the French top-flight last term.

So, Balogun is one of the most prolific strikers around right now and aged 25, he’s fast approaching his prime. After a cracking time of it in North America this summer, it’s time for a bigger club to take a punt on the Arsenal academy graduate.

Since leaving English football behind in 2023, he has become a different beast and Tottenham could be set to benefit. Spurs are reportedly interested and have already made an approach this summer.

Still, despite his ever-improving record, there may well be a better option for the Lilywhites this summer.

The dream Balogun alternative for Spurs

Before the transfer window closes Spurs simply have to sign one or two new forward players.

Moves for Savinho and Cody Gakpo are being explored with the Brazilian reportedly close to joining in the forthcoming weeks. Yet, neither of them are out and out strikers. It explains the link to Balogun and it also explains the links to Victor Osimhen over the last week.

Whether a move can be completed, particularly given his astonishing wages of £309k-per-week remains to be seen, but it would be a mighty fine signing.

The word is that Spurs submitted a £55m offer to sign the player last week. Discussions with his club, Galatasaray have reportedly already occured but with further reports noting a £64m asking price, they will have to up the ante a bit more on this one.

ENIC have already shown a willingness not just to part with big transfer fees but big wages to snap up Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali this summer so it is not totally out of the question.

Both midfielders are impeccable additions to the Spurs midfield but what they really require is an elite centre-forward. No one is ever going to be capable of replacing Kane’s output but if there was ever a striker out there who could come close, it would be Osimhen.

Balogun is impressive, sure, but he’s not Osimhen. He is one of the best centre-forwards in world football, netting 17 or more goals in each of his last five seasons.

For Napoli and Gala, the Nigerian powerhouse has been a superstar. He is a striking sensation who has scored goals wherever he’s been.

English football has long beckoned for the 27-year-old and now in the prime of his career, the time feels right for him to make the move to the Premier League.

Compared to Balogun, he’s far more consistent, far more ruthless in front of goal. He might not be Kane but he’s prolific and that’s what Spurs require to really go to the next level under De Zerbi.

The additions of Fernandes, Tonali and Co will help but the arrival of a big-name striker such as Osimhen would undoubtedly be their finest signing this summer.