Tottenham's Striker Search: Balogun Talks and Vlahovic's Departure

Tottenham have finally moved their search for a No.9 into top gear – and they are doing it on two very different fronts.

On one side, talks with Monaco for USA striker Folarin Balogun have been opened. On the other, long‑standing target Dusan Vlahovic is on the verge of slipping away to Turkey.

Spurs turn to Balogun as Solanke concern bites

Roberto De Zerbi walked into the summer with a clear priority: fix the defence, sort the midfield. More than £230 million later, that part of the job is done. Now comes the part that usually defines a Tottenham season – finding the goals.

The club want two attacking signings before the window closes on September 1. The hunt for a left‑winger has dragged on, but the situation through the middle has suddenly become urgent.

Dominic Solanke, one of the key names on Tottenham’s striker shortlist, missed the friendly draw with Getafe at the weekend with an ankle problem. It may not be season‑defining, but it underlined how thin Spurs are at centre‑forward. Richarlison is the only fit senior striker and has already made it clear he is prepared to move on.

That combination of injury worry and uncertainty has pushed Tottenham towards a more aggressive move in the market.

In France, L’Equipe report that Spurs have approached Monaco “in recent hours” to discuss a deal for Balogun and have already “laid the groundwork” for an agreement worth around €60 million (£51.2m).

Balogun, 25, left Arsenal for Monaco in a £35m deal three years ago and has since hit 31 goals in 91 games in Ligue 1. He arrives with a different profile to the traditional Premier League target man: mobile, sharp around the box, comfortable linking play and attacking space in behind.

He also enhanced his reputation on the biggest stage this summer. Leading the line for the United States at the World Cup, Balogun scored three times in four matches. His tournament was not without drama – he was involved in a red‑card controversy that led to a year‑long suspension, only for an intervention involving Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino to clear the way for him to play in the last‑16 defeat to Belgium – but his performances under pressure only reinforced the sense that he can handle a demanding stage.

Tottenham are not alone. Newcastle United, who were already battling Sunderland for his signature earlier in the summer, remain in the frame, while clubs in Spain have also registered interest. Spurs, though, have moved first in an attempt to get ahead of the pack.

For De Zerbi and the recruitment team, Balogun offers something important: a striker entering his peak, proven in a major European league, with the pace and aggression to fit a high‑energy system. Whether Monaco are ready to cash in at the quoted price will decide how quickly this gathers pace.

Vlahovic chooses Turkey

While Tottenham push for Balogun, another long‑running pursuit looks to be over.

Dusan Vlahovic, linked with Spurs since Antonio Conte’s tenure and admired by De Zerbi, has given an initial green light to join Besiktas. The former Juventus striker and his camp have, according to reports, verbally agreed a three‑year contract worth €10m per season.

The deal is now at the legal stage. Vlahovic must sign off on the paperwork before the move can be finalised, at which point the Serbia international could be on a plane to Istanbul within 48 hours.

For Tottenham, it closes the door on a forward they have monitored for years. Vlahovic’s profile – a powerful, penalty‑box finisher with Serie A pedigree from his days at Fiorentina and Juventus – has long appealed in north London, and De Zerbi was keen to explore a deal again this summer.

Besiktas, though, have pushed harder and later. Reports suggest their latest improved offer proved decisive, effectively sealing the move and taking one of Europe’s most prolific frontmen off the market.

So the picture is clear. Vlahovic is heading for Istanbul. Balogun is the subject of active talks. Solanke is nursing an ankle problem. Richarlison’s future is uncertain.

Tottenham have rebuilt the back of the team with money and conviction. The next few weeks will show whether they can be just as ruthless where it matters most – in front of goal.