Tottenham open talks to sign former Arsenal forward

Tottenham have spent heavily while reshaping Roberto De Zerbi’s squad this summer, but the question is still staring them in the face. Where are the goals coming from?

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League last season and their attack never found a rhythm. Richarlison led their league scoring chart with 12, while Dominic Solanke endured a campaign disrupted by injury problems.

That explains why the club’s search has spread across Europe.

Victor Osimhen would be the superstar option after some tentative links, while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson offers Premier League experience.

Georges Mikautadze, who starred for Villarreal last season and is on their shortlist, brings proven scoring form, while Cody Gakpo can operate from the left or through the middle.

Junior Kroupi was also heavily admired before the Bournemouth youngster suffered a foot injury.

The wide range of profiles suggests Tottenham are keeping several routes open, and now an intriguing name has moved towards the front of the queue.

Folarin Balogun should be familiar to supporters.

He developed in Arsenal’s academy, made 10 appearances for the Gunners and spent time on loan at Middlesbrough before exploding in France.

His 21-goal Ligue 1 season with Reims in 2022/23 persuaded Monaco to buy him from Arsenal later that summer, but Life in the Principality has not always been easy.

Balogun required surgery after suffering a shoulder injury during the 24/25 campaign, interrupting his progress and forcing him through recovery.

Last season brought the response Monaco had been waiting for.

The 25-year-old scored 13 times and supplied five assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances. He also struck five goals in ten Champions League games, with 19 in total across all competitions, and carried that form into the World Cup, scoring three times as the USA reached the last 16.

Balogun is not a traditional target man, given he traditionally likes to run beyond defenders, pull into channels and create room for others.

However, that mobility could suit a Tottenham side expected to play with greater aggression and freedom under De Zerbi.

Tottenham open talks with Monaco over signing Folarin Balogun

According to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Spurs have now started discussions with Monaco over a possible transfer.

It represents a clear step forward from last week, when Balogun was reportedly offered to the north London club through intermediaries.

There is no suggestion that an agreement is close, however. Balogun remains under contract until 2028 and Monaco were expected to seek around £43 million earlier this summer.

The French club missed out on Champions League football and have been preparing for a possible sale, while the striker is understood to favour a new challenge.

Tottenham must now decide whether Balogun is their leading choice or simply the most attainable option on a crowded list.

His Arsenal past would add spice, but this decision has to be about output rather than rivalry.

Balogun is entering his prime, knows English football and has rebuilt his momentum after injury. If Spurs believe last season was the start of something bigger, talks with Monaco could move quickly.