Everton have stepped up their pursuit of United States striker Folarin Balogun by submitting an offer for the Monaco forward as they look to strengthen their attack before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
According to BBC Sport, Everton have made a bid for the 25-year-old, who is valued at around £40 million by Monaco. The former Arsenal striker has emerged as a key target for the Premier League club.
ESPN reports that Everton’s offer is worth £35 million, approximately $47.5 million, as the club pushes to reach an agreement for the United States international.
Balogun’s potential return to the Premier League comes just weeks after he was involved in one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 World Cup.
The striker scored three goals during the tournament but was sent off for serious foul play during the United States’ last-32 clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Despite initially facing an automatic suspension, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the ban for a year, allowing Balogun to play in the United States’ last-16 defeat by Belgium.
The decision generated significant criticism after reports claimed that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA over the striker’s punishment.
UEFA described the decision to allow Balogun to play as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino denied having any influence over the disciplinary process.
Balogun had already attracted considerable attention during the tournament because of his goalscoring form for the United States. The striker opted to represent the US despite being eligible to play for England and Nigeria.
ESPN described his World Cup campaign as a major success before the red-card controversy, while Sky Sports highlighted his three goals as one of the factors behind Everton’s interest.
Balogun joined Monaco from Arsenal in 2023 and has scored 31 goals in 91 appearances for the French club, according to Sky Sports.
Everton are seeking additional attacking options after Beto moved closer to a transfer to Fiorentina. ESPN reports that the Portuguese striker is expected to join the Serie A side for a fee of around £15 million.
The Merseyside club had also considered a move for Tottenham striker Richarlison, with Sky Sports reporting that Everton had been interested in bringing their former forward back to Goodison Park.
However, Balogun has now become a more immediate target as Everton attempt to complete their attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
A return to England would give Balogun another opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League after leaving Arsenal for Monaco three years ago.
The striker ended last season in impressive form for Monaco, scoring 11 goals in his final 14 appearances, including a Champions League brace against Paris Saint-Germain.
Everton will now await Monaco’s response as they look to determine whether their £35 million offer will be enough to secure the World Cup striker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
