Folarin Balogun open to Premier League return after Everton move collapse

Folarin Balogun has returned from a minor knee issue but is still waiting for his first Monaco goal of the 2026-27 campaign after three appearances from the bench. The United States international remains open to a Premier League return after a proposed £40 million ($53m) Everton transfer collapsed during his medical this summer.

Monaco role will shape the next move

Balogun’s immediate priority is winning a bigger role in Monaco’s attack. He scored 19 times in all competitions last season, form that put him on the radar of clubs around Europe, but his limited involvement at the start of the new campaign has delayed his impact.

A strong run of minutes in the coming weeks could quickly revive interest before the January window. Several English sides are expected to value a proven central striker, while Balogun has made clear that returning to the country where he was raised remains a possibility.

He said a Premier League switch could happen, pointing to the unpredictable nature of the game after his World Cup experience. The forward acknowledged that he came close to leaving Monaco, but said the move failed to come together and that England remains an option.

Everton deal broke down after medical concerns

1. Balogun developed through Arsenal’s Hale End academy after joining at eight years old.
2. He made 10 competitive first-team outings for Arsenal, with loans needed to secure regular senior football.
3. A productive spell at Reims raised his profile in France before Monaco completed a permanent deal in 2023.
4. Everton agreed a £40 million ($53m) deal in summer 2026, following the home World Cup with the USMNT.
5. The transfer was abandoned after complications emerged in the medical examination.
6. Balogun has since recovered from a knee complaint and is seeking his first goal of the season.

Arsenal return judged unlikely

Arsenal retain a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause in Balogun’s Monaco contract, meaning they would receive a share of any future sale. But a return to Emirates Stadium is not viewed as a realistic route for the former academy forward.

Gilles Grimandi believes Balogun is a capable Ligue 1 striker but does not see him improving Mikel Arteta’s current options. Arsenal already have Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres competing in the central role, and Grimandi argued that even elite forwards face a difficult task in that position.

The former Arsenal and Monaco defender praised Balogun’s movement into space, technical quality and work last season, but questioned whether he would offer more than Arteta’s existing attackers. In his view, Everton would have been a sensible destination and Balogun has the ability to play in England’s top division, even if Arsenal’s level is currently beyond him.

International and club profile

Born in the United States to Nigerian parents and brought up in London, Balogun changed his international allegiance from England to the US. He has collected 31 senior caps for the USMNT.

• Balogun is fit again after a minor knee problem.
• He has made three substitute appearances for Monaco this season.
• His first goal of 2026-27 has not yet arrived.
• Everton’s agreed £40 million ($53m) move fell apart at the medical stage.
• Arsenal would benefit financially from a future Monaco sale through their 17.5 per cent clause.
• More transfer attention is likely if he re-establishes last season’s scoring form.