Tottenham Pursue Folarin Balogun Amid Striker Crisis

Tottenham have moved their striker search up a gear, opening talks with Monaco over USA international Folarin Balogun just as long‑standing target Dusan Vlahovic closes in on a switch to Besiktas.

Spurs turn to Balogun as Solanke worry bites

Roberto De Zerbi’s first priority this summer was clear: fix the spine. More than £230m has already gone into reinforcing Tottenham’s defence and midfield, and that part of the rebuild is largely ticked off.

The glaring hole now sits at No.9.

Tottenham want two attacking signings before the window shuts on September 1, but the clock is ticking and the options are narrowing. The hunt for a new left-winger has dragged on. The situation through the middle has suddenly become more urgent.

Dominic Solanke, earmarked as a key piece of the attack, missed the friendly draw with Getafe at the weekend with an ankle problem. It may not be season-defining, but it has exposed how thin Spurs are up front. Richarlison is the only fit senior centre-forward available – and he has already made it clear he is open to a move away.

The pressure has forced Tottenham to act.

According to L’Equipe, Spurs have opened talks with Monaco “in recent hours” and laid the foundations for a deal for Balogun worth around €60m (£51.2m). The 25-year-old joined Monaco from Arsenal three years ago in a £35m move and has since scored 31 goals in 91 games for the Ligue 1 club.

Balogun also enhanced his reputation on the international stage this summer, hitting three goals in four games for the United States at the World Cup. His tournament was not without drama – he was embroiled in a controversy over a red card that was later suspended for a year after the intervention of Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a decision that allowed him to feature in the last‑16 defeat to Belgium.

Tottenham are not alone in seeing an opportunity. Newcastle United, who were already battling Sunderland for his signature earlier in the summer, have maintained their interest, while clubs in Spain have also made their presence known. Spurs, though, are trying to move first and fastest, hoping to steal a march on their rivals before the market erupts in the final weeks.

Vlahovic path closes as Besiktas step in

While Tottenham push for Balogun, another long‑term striking option is slipping away.

Dusan Vlahovic, tracked by Spurs since Antonio Conte’s tenure and admired by De Zerbi as a potential focal point for his attack, has taken a decisive step towards Turkey. The former Juventus and Fiorentina striker and his camp have given an initial green light to join Besiktas.

A three-year contract worth €10m per season has been verbally agreed. The deal now rests on legal formalities being signed off, after which the Serbia international could be on a plane to Istanbul within 48 hours.

Besiktas’ latest improved proposal is said to have turned the tide. Their offer has effectively closed the door on Tottenham’s hopes, with the move described as virtually done.

So Spurs pivot again. With Vlahovic bound for Istanbul and Solanke nursing an ankle, the focus sharpens on Balogun and whatever alternative targets sit on De Zerbi’s shortlist.

The window shuts in a matter of weeks. Tottenham have rebuilt the back of the team. Now they have to find the goals that will define De Zerbi’s first season in north London.