Balogun Transfer News: Tottenham and Chelsea circle in-form United States forward

Folarin Balogun is enjoying a World Cup to remember – and clubs across Europe are paying attention.

The Monaco forward netted a brace in the United States’ 4-1 triumph over Paraguay, before playing a starring role in their 2-0 win against Australia.

He is now just one goal shy of Landon Donovan’s trio of strikes in 2010, which represents the country’s record haul in a single edition of the tournament.

And the 24-year-old can be confident of matching that figure, as he prepares to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara this evening (Wednesday 5pm PDT / Thursday 1am BST).

After all, Balogun has been in fine form across his two appearances to date, receiving the FIFA Player of the Match award on both occasions.

Another goal against Sergej Barbarez’s outfit would only add to the clamour for his signature, which has been steadily building after an eye-catching season in Ligue 1 with Les Monégasques.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town are some of the Premier League teams reportedly interested, alongside continental giants Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

So, as the build-up to the USA’s upcoming Round of 32 tie continues, we consider where their No.20 could be playing his football next season.

Tottenham target

Tottenham are in the midst of a major rebuild under manager Roberto De Zerbi, after flirting with relegation during a challenging 2025/26 campaign.

The North Londoners’ transfer business so far has represented a significant statement of intent, as they look to climb back into the division’s upper echelons next term.

Centre-backs Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have arrived from Brighton and Bournemouth, respectively, with former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson and Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka joining them at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes is believed to be closing in on an £85 million switch, too, indicating that Spurs are a club heading in the right direction – and making them a potentially appealing destination for Balogun as a result.

They could certainly do with a striker who possesses his prowess in the penalty area, having scored just 48 times last season and with top scorer Richarlison netting only 11 league goals.

In contrast, Balogun struck 13 times in 30 Ligue 1 appearances, averaging out as a very impressive 0.52 goals per 90 minutes of action.

The French top tier is a weaker division than the Premier League, of course, but it is worth noting that the 5ft 10in attacker matched that return in Europe – scoring five times over ten Champions League games as Monaco reached the knockout phase play-offs.

Having also blitzed Ligue 1 with a 21-goal season while on loan at Reims back in 2022/23, Balogun is certainly building a formidable reputation as a reliable frontman who consistently delivers.

It is therefore no surprise that De Zerbi has reportedly made the Brooklyn-born striker a top priority, when it comes to this summer’s transfer targets.

That would undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows on the red half of North London, with Balogun having made a handful of appearances for Arsenal as a youngster after graduating from their academy.

Chelsea chasing

Chelsea are also on the hunt for a striker – and they are unlikely to be put off by Monaco’s rumoured asking price of around £43 million.

While João Pedro notched 15 times in the league for the Blues last season, fellow forward Liam Delap struggled during his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge.

Nicolas Jackson’s future remains unclear, meanwhile, after he spent 2025/26 on loan at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Regardless of whether he is reintegrated into the squad, there should still be room for a player of Balogun’s profile in SW6.

Only Esteban Lepaul (16) scored more goals from open play in Ligue 1 than the 29-cap international last term (10), while he was notably clinical – ranking fourth in the division for big chances scored (9).

Interestingly, that is a comparable record with João Pedro, in the sense that the Brazilian also had the fourth-best return in the Premier League for big chance conversion (19).

But incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso may also have one eye on Balogun’s off-the-ball attributes.

Lassine Sinayoko (25) and Ludovic Ajorque (21) were the only Ligue 1 strikers to regain the ball more times in the final third than the former Middlesbrough loanee (19), potentially making him an ideal fit for the Spaniard’s counter-pressing approach.

Alternative options

Premier League interest in Balogun is gathering pace, with Conference League winners Crystal Palace and newly-promoted Ipswich Town emerging as possible destinations for the United States star.

It feels somewhat improbable that he will choose either of those options if Tottenham or Chelsea come to the table, though, such is the appeal of playing for a Champions League-chasing outfit.

And another continental move shouldn’t be discounted, with mooted destinations Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund each holding their own appeal – from PSG’s trophy-winning pedigree to BVB’s record for improving players.

There are plenty of potential choices for Balogun, thanks in part to the attractiveness of his all-round game.

It shouldn’t be ignored that he placed in Ligue 1’s top ten strikers for a whole range of statistics last term, from chances created (24) to touches (718) and final third passes completed (113).

He isn’t merely a ‘fox in the box’, but a centre-forward who gets involved in build-up play and works hard for the team when he’s not finishing off chances.

Four league assists is a reflection of that wider contribution – a respectable return, with only seven centre-forwards contributing more.

Wherever the USA marksman ends up next, Arsenal are sure to be watching on with interest. The Gunners have a reported 17.5% sell-on clause from the deal that took him to Monaco back in 2023.

If the in-demand forward continues to plunder goals at this World Cup, that clause could prove to be quite lucrative for Mikel Arteta’s side.

All eyes will be on the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium this evening, then, where another first-class performance is sure to ratchet up the interest in Balogun even further.