Everton are in talks to sign Folarin Balogun from Monaco before the transfer deadline, a move that will trigger a sell-on clause and earn Arsenal a significant sum.
With just over 24 hours left in the summer window, Everton are overhauling their attack. Winger Iliman Ndiaye is set to join Tottenham for £65m, while striker Beto is heading to Fiorentina in a £15.4m deal.
To replace them, David Moyes is working on re-signing Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City, while Richarlison is close to a return to Merseyside, with a £35m fee agreed with Spurs.
Balogun a top target after prolific season
Balogun has become a top target for the Toffees following a season in which he scored 19 goals in 43 appearances. He also scored three times for the USA at the World Cup but was later involved in a controversial red card incident that involved Donald Trump.
The 25-year-old has two years left on his contract and Monaco have not held talks over an extension. He did not feature in his side's 2-0 Ligue 1 win over Marseille on Sunday.
Balogun has Premier League experience, having joined Arsenal's academy at the age of eight, though he made only 10 first-team appearances for the club. The Gunners sold him to Monaco in 2023 in a deal worth up to £34m.
Sell-on clause set to pay out
Arsenal inserted a 17.5% sell-on clause in Balogun's contract. BBC Sport report that Everton have been told they will need to pay around £40m to secure his services, though he could be available for less.
If Everton pay the top price, Arsenal will receive around £7m, which will help offset the £194m spent this summer on Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Piero Hincapie.
The Gunners are also set to bank more cash before the window closes through the sales of Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona (£8.6m), Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal (£55.7m) and Fabio Vieira to Hamburg (£8.6m).
Speaking after the win over Marseille, Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro conceded that Balogun may be on his way out: 'Yes, it is true that discussions are taking place regarding Balogun. That is also why we have already signed Matthis [Abline]. We are ready to maintain the team's quality if Balogun leaves, but we should know more very soon. Then we'll finalise the squad.'
