West Ham and Everton are showing interest in former Arsenal and current Monaco striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the summer.
According to Sports Boom, West Ham United and Everton are expressing an interest in Folarin Balogun. Monaco could be tempted to sell if an offer at their valuation arrives, with a return to the Premier League potentially being the next step the USMNT star might take.
Folarin Balogun has been a productive signing for Monaco, when they bought the USMNT star from Arsenal for a fee in the region of €30 million. The striker has been a reliable presence up front for the French giants, and even this season, he has performed at a good rate.
Balogun has 15 goals and 5 assists across all competitions for Monaco this season, and his displays are already attracting a few suitors from the Premier League. Everton and West Ham are the teams interested in the former Arsenal prodigy, with Monaco open to the idea of a sale if an offer close to their valuation arrives.
Monaco will reportedly demand a fee between €45–55 million, which could see them make a healthy profit on their investment in Balogun. He has a contract until 2028, which gives the Ligue 1 giants plenty of leeway in negotiations.
A move back to the Premier League would make sense for Balogun’s career, where he may have unfinished business after failing to break through at Arsenal. West Ham could be an option, but any move for the attacker will depend on the Londoners staying up in the top flight, as they are currently battling relegation.
Why are Everton interested in Folarin Balogun?
West Ham had been looking for a new striker, and while they may have brought in a few attackers in January, the club could seek more options. As for Everton, they could consider a change of scenery in the frontline, as Beto was attracting interest back in January. The Toffees are looking at a physical profile that suits their game plan, especially if Beto ends up leaving.
They were recently linked with Igor Matanovic of Eintracht Frankfurt, who resembles the profile they are looking for. Balogun could also act as a target man in Everton’s system, although there will be doubts about their willingness to pay what Monaco might want.
