Juventus have reportedly made Monaco forward Folarin Balogun their top attacking priority for the January transfer window. The Serie A giants are looking to strengthen their squad, with Balogun emerging as the leading candidate.
The United States international is currently with Monaco, but reports suggest he is expected to depart the Ligue 1 side either in January or at the end of the current season. Balogun’s contract with Monaco runs until 2028.
Previous Transfer Saga
This isn’t the first time Balogun has been at the centre of transfer speculation. Last summer, Monaco and Premier League club Everton reached an agreement for a permanent deal worth approximately £40 million. However, the move ultimately fell through.
Balogun reportedly declined to sign with Everton after undergoing medical tests. It was understood that the player expressed discomfort with how he felt he was treated by the club and concerns raised by their medical department regarding his health, leading to his decision not to complete the transfer.
Juventus’ Approach
Juventus are now keen to secure Balogun’s services. The Turin club is said to have a strong working relationship with Balogun’s agent, Jorge Mendes, which could prove beneficial in negotiations.
While Balogun is their primary target, Juventus are also reportedly monitoring other attacking options. Among the players being considered are Antonio Raimondo and Alexander Sorloth, who currently play for Frosinone and Atletico Madrid respectively.
It remains to be seen whether Juventus can match the £40 million fee that Monaco had agreed with Everton previously. However, the strong interest from the Italian club and the player’s expected departure from Monaco suggest that a move could be on the cards in the upcoming transfer window.