Mikel Arteta has already explained why Everton-linked Folarin Balogun is 'special'

Folarin Balogun is another name that has been added to Everton's shortlist ahead of the summer window.

There have been plenty of centre-forward names being thrown about, with Everton's put alongside them.

A new number nine appears to be on the radar based on the constant reports.

Balogun, who has played in England before, is a United States of America international and would be the first at Finch Farm since Marcus Hahnemann in 2011-2012.

Everton are currently more focused on their midfield, with talks over a deal for Hayden Hackney continuing.

However, Balogun would certainly be an interesting acquisition based on what Mikel Arteta had to say.

What has been said about Everton's interest in Folarin Balogun?

Balogun has taken the 2026 World Cup in his stride, scoring two goals in the opening two games.

Alongside scoring 13 goals in 30 Ligue 1 games, it is no surprise that Balogun has caught attention, with the Toffees one of those drawn in.

That is according to Caught Offside, who have named the Blues alongside Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland as potential suitors.

The asking price is said to be in the region of £43million, but if the L3 outfit are put off that tag, they may only need to listen to former Toffee ace Arteta.

Arteta managed Balogun at Arsenal from 2020 to 2023 before his permanent exit to France.

In February of that final year, as relayed by Goal, the Spaniard detailed what made Balogun stand out to him.

He stated: "He’s a boy with a really clear idea of what he wants to do in his career. Really ambitious, really committed and he’s really brave."

"He’s got something special."

How does Balogun feel about leaving AS Monaco?

As things stand, AS Monaco are at an impasse with Balogun, whose contract expires in 2028.

David Ornstein via The Athletic has reported that with contract talks not underway, the American forward "favours" a move out of Monaco and that "a move this summer is expected."

Balogun's homegrown status in the Premier League is another string to the bow that makes him an attractive signing.

With the World Cup ongoing, and the United States set for the round of 32, Everton could still have time to better position themself in the race.

Getting that level of praise from a Premier League-winning manager such as Arteta is certainly nothing to scoff at.

And amid uncertainty over Thierno Barry, now could be the time to refresh David Moyes' options.