Everton are keeping their options open in the transfer market, with multiple sources, including Sky Sports, reporting that they are very interested in Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. The former Arsenal academy graduate is being considered as a late bid target, but the club's priority remains securing the return of Richarlison.
Richarlison return in doubt
The Athletic report that an agreement in principle has been reached for the Brazil forward to rejoin Everton for £35m, four years after he left for Tottenham. However, personal terms are yet to be agreed, and the 29-year-old has offers elsewhere, meaning he could reject a return to Merseyside where he holds cult-hero status.
The deal for Richarlison is separate to the one sending Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham for £60m. Moyes has moved quickly to replace the highly-rated winger, with talks ongoing to bring Jack Grealish back to Merseyside after a productive loan spell last season. The England international is in the final year of his contract and was not in the squad for Manchester City's win at Crystal Palace on Friday.
Balogun's profile and potential fee
Balogun, a USA international, was the subject of a major controversy involving Donald Trump at this summer's World Cup. He is also a highly-rated talisman, scoring 19 goals in 43 games for Monaco last season, as well as 12 in 31 caps for his country.
Balogun only made 10 senior appearances for Arsenal before he was sold in 2023 in a deal worth up to £34m. The Gunners are set to profit if Everton buy him, thanks to a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause in his contract.
Other Everton transfer news
Everton were in talks to sell teenager Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest, but after fans vocally criticised the idea at Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, the £40m deal was called off. In other news, Everton are set to sign right-back Kenny Tete after a £9.4m fee was agreed with Fulham.
