Everton have made an offer for Folarin Balogun, but Monaco are not shifting from a £40m valuation. The move leaves the striker search hanging over Tuesday's transfer deadline, with the Toffees still trying to strengthen their forward line before the window closes.
Monaco's price on Balogun
Balogun gives Everton a profile they clearly rate. He scored three goals at the World Cup in four appearances, and a 7.08 average rating across the tournament points to a player who produced in a short, high-pressure run.
That is part of the attraction, because Everton do not have time for a slow-burn deal. They have already tested Monaco's stance with an offer, and the French club's £40m asking price sets the level of the conversation for the rest of deadline week.
Monaco are under no pressure to reduce it, at least not yet. Everton's bid makes the chase real, but the fee still looks like the main barrier.
Richarlison's place in the search
Richarlison remains on Everton's target list, but there is a complication there too. He is believed to have reservations about returning to the club he left for Tottenham in 2022.
That leaves Balogun as the cleaner route if Everton want a deal done quickly. Richarlison has only one Premier League appearance this season and has played just 68 minutes, so the current evidence for a return is thin even before the personal doubts around it.
Tuesday is the deadline Everton are working towards, and the club still need a striker before it arrives. Balogun is now the bid on the table, Monaco want £40m, and the rest has to be settled fast.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
