USA striker Balogun – who was at centre of World Cup scandal – offered to Tottenham in transfer despite Arsenal past

ROBERTO DE ZERBI has been offered a new option in the hunt to bolster his forward line. The Italian manager wants a quality striker to compete with Dominic Solanke and provide squad depth. Folarin Balogun has been offered to Tottenham Hotspur Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Roberto De Zerbi remains in the hunt for a striker and is evaluating a number of options Credit: Reuters And his prayers may have been answered in the form of a World Cup wonder – and former Arsenal star. SunSport understands that Folarin Balogun has been offered to Tottenham via intermediaries. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Balogun currently stars for Ligue 1 outfit Monaco, having left the Gunners in 2023 after 15 years at the club. SunSport have been told that Balogun’s representatives approached Tottenham directly with a proposal and that the player’s availability for a competitive fee has made him an attractive option worthy of serious consideration at Spurs. The uncertainty surrounding Balogun’s role at Monaco this season and his place in the club’s long-term plans play directly into Spurs’ hands. If Monaco are open to a sale and the price tag remains reasonable, Balogun offers a profile ready to plug in to De Zerbi’s system. His pace, ability to find space in tight areas, and the capacity to create danger with both feet align with the attributes De Zerbi expects from his striker. He put those skills to great effect at the World Cup, where he shone early in the tournament by scoring three goals in his opening two appearances. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Nicolas Jackson has also been linked with a move to North London Credit: Getty He also weathered the storm surrounding Fifa‘s controversial decision to reverse his suspension after he was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He made just two appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal, but being in and around a squad in the competition for that season minimises the adaptation risk compared to some options. Another star who would likely be able to adapt smoothly is Chelsea‘s Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese striker is currently away on a pre-season tour with the Chelsea squad, and the Blues are not desperate to sell. However, the club’s financial balance sheet and recent squad management strategy suggest that certain players could be allowed to depart at the right price. According to SunSport sources, Jackson has been pitched to Tottenham by intermediaries who believe a deal could be struck, though no direct contact has yet been made between the two clubs and any move remains at a very early exploratory stage. He is also wanted by Aston Villa and Newcastle with the former growing closer to submitting a formal bid. Even Galatasaray‘s Victor Osimhen is under consideration, though it is thought that his £65-70million price tag would be a bit steep for the North London outfit. Comment now