Everton appear to have cleared the way for another striker to arrive before the transfer deadline after agreeing a deal to sell Beto to Fiorentina.
The Serie A club are set to sign the 28-year-old permanently in a deal worth around €18m, with Beto expected in Florence on Monday for his medical before completing the move.
More significant for Evertonians, however, is Fabrizio Romano’s accompanying claim that the Toffees will sign another striker before the window closes.
And there is already one obvious candidate.
Balogun bid suddenly looks even more significant
Everton have submitted an €18m offer to Monaco for Folarin Balogun, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
The United States international is reported to want the move and already has an agreement with Everton, although there is no suggestion yet that Monaco have accepted the Toffees’ proposal.
That last part is important, particularly this close to the deadline.
But so too is the timing.
Everton are prepared to allow one of their senior strikers to leave while, separately, Romano is reporting that another striker will arrive.
At almost exactly the same time, the Toffees have made their move for Balogun.
It would be wrong to assume that automatically makes the former Arsenal striker Beto’s replacement. Everton could have other targets and Monaco still need to be persuaded to sell.
Nevertheless, sanctioning Beto’s departure at this stage of the window would be a considerable gamble without another forward being lined up.
The Balogun development therefore looks more significant this morning than it did when the €18m bid first emerged.
Everton have seemingly made room in their attack. Now comes the important part: filling it.
For updates on the Toffees throughout the season, take a look at our LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments page.
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