Monaco are willing to sell striker Folarin Balogun to Everton this summer, but only if Everton table a very sizeable bid before the transfer window closes.
Balogun has been one of the early breakout stars of the World Cup, scoring twice in the USA’s 5-1 win over Paraguay as Mauricio Pochettino’s side reached the knockout stages.
According to the latest report from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Monaco have no intention of letting the 24-year-old leave cheaply, with the Ligue 1 club demanding a hefty fee given he still has two years left on his contract.
Everton have been linked with Balogun on and off for the past year, and the interest looks set to be revived this summer as Moyes searches for fresh options up front.
The Arsenal academy graduate scored 19 goals and contributed four assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for Monaco last season, and already has experience of English football from his time coming through the ranks at the Emirates.
Why Everton need a striking solution
Moyes is understood to be keen to bolster his centre-forward options after both Thierno Barry and Beto struggled to deliver consistently at the Hill Dickinson last season. With Barry himself reportedly attracting interest from RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim, a departure in that position this summer could free up funds and create space for a new arrival.
Balogun isn’t expected to move while the USA remain involved in the World Cup, but a switch to Merseyside later in the summer hasn’t been ruled out, provided Everton are willing to meet Monaco’s asking price.
Interestingly, if the club were to land Balogun, it would be the statement of intent from TFG that Evertonians have been waiting for.
For more on Everton’s forward line search, visit Read Everton News.
