Chance for Everton to finally solve striker crisis in Folarin Balogun as £30m transfer news emerges
Everton are interested in signing talented Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun this summer with the Toffees potentially locating the perfect solution to their long-held striker crisis.
Balogun is currently on-loan with Ligue 1 side Reims and has scored a whopping 18 goals in what has been a sensational breakout 2022/23 campaign for the Gunners academy product.
According to 90min (13 April), the striker is due to hold talks with his parent club over his future with the 21-year-old eager to move elsewhere if first-team assurances cannot be made under Arteta’s tutelage next season.
Brentford, Leicester, Wolves, Everton and Crystal Palace are all believed to be keeping tabs but could be put off by the £30million price tag.
However, considering the potential war chest the Toffees could incur this summer, after the sales of Anthony Gordon, Richarlison and Moise Kean throughout this season, it could well represent a bargain for the club in the long haul.
Survival will be at the forefront of the club’s ambitions in the coming weeks, however, club director Kevin Thelwell will have one eye firmly on the summer transfer window and should find a long-term replacement for the injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Also, summer signing Neal Maupay is expected to depart Goodison Park this summer, given his dreadful performances since his move from Brighton which means the forward position will be at the forefront of Dyche’s transfer agenda this summer.
Balogun, despite his lack of Premier League experience, has shown in the French top flight that he has all the tools necessary to lead a future English top-flight side in the future, and the Toffees must ensure they are at the front of the queue to snap him up.
As per WhoScored, the starlet has netted a stunning 18 goals and two assists in 26 league starts this season – standing out as their most potent threat going forward.
Beyond his goal record, Balogun also attempts a relentless 3.3 shots per game – more than any of Everton’s striking options marking him out as an ideal candidate to solve the Blues’ attacking woes.
Considering his age, striking profile and star potential, the £30m price tag actually seems an absolute snip compared to the going rate of some of Europe’s best strikers right now and it’s an opportunity the club must not pass up on.
Proving Everton secure their Premier League status for next season, Balogun must be at the top of the club’s list of targets this summer. Get him in.