Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur are not the favourites to win the race for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun in the January transfer window.
Over the past few weeks, Spurs have been linked with a whole host of strikers across Europe and that list is bound to grow, with the January window still under two months away.
It appears clear that the Lilywhites’ main priority would be to add a number nine to their squad, with neither Dominic Solanke nor Omar Marmoush being able to deliver the goals that were expected of them so far.
It was widely reported in the summer that Spurs had held talks with Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, who struck 19 times for the Ligue 1 club last season.
In fact, several sources claimed that the USA international was keen on a move to Tottenham, but the move never materialised.
Tottenham target Folarin Balogun
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Juventus have overtaken Tottenham and Everton in the race for Folarin Balogun
Football Insider have said that Spurs have remained interested in the Arsenal academy graduate after exploring a move for him in the summer window.
Balogun also came very close to joining another Premier League club on transfer deadline day in the summer, with the striker even reporting to Everton’s training ground for a medical before the deal fell through in the final minute.
The Toffees have retained their interest in the 25-year-old, who remains keen on leaving Monaco and is attracted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
However, it is revealed that Juventus have now stepped up their pursuit of the Monaco man as they go in search of a number nine.
In fact, the Bianconeri have made Balogun their number one target, making them the favourites for his signature in the winter.
Folarin Balogun vs Tottenham strikers 25/26 season
Statistic Balogun Marmoush Solanke
Club Monaco Man City Tottenham
Appearances 30 21 15
Starts 26 8 11
Minutes 2,244 696 1,001
Goals 13 3 3
Assists 4 3 0
Goal contributions 17 6 3
Goals per 90 0.52 0.39 0.27
Assists per 90 0.16 0.39 0.00
G/A per 90 0.68 0.78 0.27
Yellow cards 4 3 1
Red cards 1 0 0
Journalist believes Serie A move more likely for Balogun
Football Insider also spoke to transfer market expert, Pete O’Rourke, who revealed that a return to England may not be the most likely outcome for the American striker.
He suggested that Balogun’s Premier League desire could be pushed back a few years, with the striker now looking set to end up in Serie A in January.
When asked about the Monaco man’s next destination, O’Rourke said : “I think most reports recently are suggesting that a move to Juventus probably is the most likely destination for Balogun.
“The Italian giants are looking to strengthen their attacking options, and Balogun is right at the top of the list right now as well. I would say clubs in Italy are leading that race for his signature, probably more than the Premier League teams, ahead of the January window.”