Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the opportunity to sign former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun from Monaco, while Manchester City are exploring a possible move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto.
Both stories remain at an early stage.
Balogun’s representatives have made Tottenham aware of the United States international’s potential availability, but Spurs have not submitted a formal offer or decided that he is their preferred attacking target.
Manchester City have made initial contact with Neto’s representatives as they consider options for the right side of Enzo Maresca’s attack. No bid has been sent to Chelsea, and the Blues have not agreed to sell the Portugal international.
The two possible deals could become connected to wider Premier League transfer activity. Tottenham are also interested in Manchester City winger Savinho, while City’s interest in Neto may strengthen if the Brazilian leaves the Etihad Stadium.
Latest Balogun and Neto Transfer Status
| Transfer story | Current position |
| Folarin Balogun to Tottenham | Player has reportedly been offered to Spurs |
| Tottenham bid submitted | No confirmed bid |
| Monaco agreement | No |
| Pedro Neto to Manchester City | Initial interest and representative contact |
| Manchester City bid submitted | No confirmed bid |
| Chelsea agreement | No |
| Completed transfers | Neither move is complete |
Supporters should therefore treat both developments as active transfer possibilities rather than advanced or completed deals.
Tottenham Offered Chance to Sign Folarin Balogun
Balogun has emerged as a surprise option forTottenhamas Roberto De Zerbi continues reshaping his squad before the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The striker’s representatives have approached Spurs directly and indicated that a transfer from Monaco could be possible for a competitive fee.
That does not mean Tottenham initiated negotiations or have madeBaloguna priority target. Being offered a player usually means an intermediary or representative has informed a club that the player may be available and outlined the likely financial conditions.
Tottenham must now decide whether Balogun fits De Zerbi’s tactical requirements and whether he represents better value than the club’s other attacking options.
Has Tottenham Made a Bid for Balogun?
No Tottenham offer has been confirmed.
The current situation appears to be:
- Balogun’s representatives contacted Tottenham.
- Spurs were informed of his possible availability.
- The club began considering the proposal.
- No formal approach to Monaco has been confirmed.
- Personal terms have not been agreed.
Tottenham’s interest could progress quickly if De Zerbi approves the move, but Monaco are under no immediate pressure to accept a reduced fee.
Balogun signed a five-year contract when he joined Monaco from Arsenal in August 2023. That agreement runs until June 2028, leaving the French club with two years of contractual control.
Why Tottenham May Consider Balogun?
Balogun would give Tottenham a mobile striker capable of attacking space behind a defensive line.
The 25-year-old is not simply a penalty-area target. His game is built around:
- Accelerating beyond defenders
- Moving into the channels
- Pressing from the front
- Receiving through balls
- Creating space for supporting attackers
- Finishing quickly after transitions
- Operating as a central or split striker
Those qualities could work within De Zerbi’s possession-based approach.
De Zerbi generally wants his forwards to participate in build-up play while remaining ready to attack space when possession moves through midfield. Balogun’s speed would give Spurs a more direct outlet when opponents push higher up the pitch.
Tottenham appointed De Zerbi as head coach in March 2026, and he has since spoken about rebuilding the squad and preparing the team for a new phase.
Balogun’s Monaco Contract and Recent Form
Balogun joined Monaco after developing through Arsenal’s academy and establishing himself in France during a productive loan spell with Reims.
His first seasons in Monaco were affected by inconsistent form and injury problems, but he returned to regular scoring during the 2025/26 campaign.
The forward registered 15 goals across Ligue 1, the Champions League and Coupe de France during the season, including a run of goals against major French opponents.
Monaco continue to list Balogun as a first-team forward, and his official player profile confirms that he joined the club on August 30, 2023.
Readers can follow Monaco’s forthcoming domestic schedule through Score9ja’s Ligue 1 fixtures and match schedule.
Would Joining Tottenham Be Controversial for Balogun?
A transfer would attract attention because Balogun spent most of his development years at Arsenal.
He joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of eight, progressed through the youth system and made senior appearances before moving permanently to Monaco.
Joining Tottenham would place him on the opposite side of the north London rivalry.
However, Balogun was not an established Arsenal first-team regular when he left the club. His decision would be based primarily on playing time, tactical fit and career progression rather than a direct transfer from Arsenal to Tottenham.
The rivalry would still create additional scrutiny whenever Spurs face the Gunners. Score9ja already has a dedicated Tottenham vs Arsenal match centre for the December 2026 Premier League meeting.
Tottenham Are Assessing Several Attacking Options
Balogun is not Tottenham’s only possible forward target.
Spurs have also been linked with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Manchester City winger Savinho as De Zerbi evaluates how to improve his attack.
These players offer different qualities:
| Player | Main position | Potential role |
| Folarin Balogun | Centre-forward | Runs behind and central finishing |
| Nicolas Jackson | Centre-forward | Linking play and attacking channels |
| Savinho | Winger | Width, dribbling and chance creation |
The final choice may depend on which current Tottenham attackers remain, the fees demanded by selling clubs and whether De Zerbi prioritises a central striker or another wide forward.
Balogun may be attractive because he already understands English football culture, speaks the language and developed in the Premier League environment.
However, Tottenham would still need to assess whether his Ligue 1 performances can translate into consistent Premier League production.
What Would Balogun Bring to Spurs?
Greater speed through the centre
Balogun can threaten defenders who leave space behind them. That would give Tottenham a different attacking route against opponents using a high line.
More competition at striker
Adding another recognised centre-forward would reduce the pressure on one player to start every league and cup match.
Tactical flexibility
Balogun could lead the attack alone, play alongside another striker or move towards the left channel when Tottenham rotate positions.
Pressing energy
His mobility could help De Zerbi initiate pressure from the front, particularly against teams attempting to build short from their goalkeeper.
Premier League motivation
The transfer would give Balogun the opportunity to prove himself in England after leaving Arsenal without securing a regular starting position.
What Must Happen Before a Balogun Transfer?
Tottenham would need to complete several stages:
- Decide that Balogun is a priority target
- Contact Monaco directly
- Agree a transfer valuation
- Negotiate personal terms
- Review his injury and fitness history
- Complete medical examinations
- Register the transfer
None of these final stages has been announced.
The most accurate description is that Tottenham have been offered the player and are considering whether to advance the opportunity.
Manchester City Make Initial Pedro Neto Contact
Manchester City have also entered the transfer market for another Premier League attacker.
City have contacted Pedro Neto’s representatives to understand whether the winger would be open to leaving Chelsea and what would be required to complete a transfer.
The contact is preliminary. Manchester City have not submitted an official offer to Chelsea, and direct negotiations between the two clubs have not been confirmed.
Neto has emerged as a possible replacement for Savinho, who is attracting interest from Tottenham.
City may not proceed unless there is movement involving one of their existing wide players.
Why Manchester City Want Pedro Neto?
Neto offers the direct attacking qualities City could lose if Savinho departs.
The Portugal international is capable of playing from either wing, although he is particularly effective when starting from the right and moving infield onto his stronger left foot.
His main attributes include:
- Rapid acceleration
- One-against-one dribbling
- Direct running
- Accurate low crosses
- Counter-attacking speed
- Movement across the front line
- Premier League experience
Neto could help City stretch opponents who defend with narrow formations.
He would also provide an attacker familiar with Maresca’s methods. Maresca worked with Neto during his period as Chelsea manager before leaving Stamford Bridge in December 2025 and returning to Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s successor in June 2026.
That existing tactical relationship is likely to reduce uncertainty about the player’s suitability.
Pedro Neto’s Chelsea Record
Neto joined Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2024 and signed a seven-year contract. His agreement therefore runs until 2031.
He became an important member of Chelsea’s attack during the 2025/26 campaign, making 52 appearances and recording:
- 10 goals
- 10 assists
- 43 starts
- 4,086 minutes
He also led Chelsea’s seasonal assist rankings and scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup against Hull City.
Those numbers strengthen Chelsea’s negotiating position.
The Blues would not be selling an unwanted fringe player. They would be considering whether to release an established attacker who produced 20 direct goal contributions during the previous season.
Score9ja users can follow the team’s schedule through the Chelsea fixtures and match schedule.
Would Chelsea Sell Pedro Neto to Manchester City?
Chelsea have not publicly placed Neto on the transfer list.
A sale may nevertheless become possible if:
- Manchester City submit a substantial offer
- Neto expresses a desire to reunite with Maresca
- Chelsea believe their other attackers can replace his output
- The fee creates room for further recruitment
- Neto’s expected starting role decreases under the current coaching structure
Chelsea’s position is strengthened by the length of his contract. They do not need to sell because of an approaching expiry date and can demand a fee that reflects his experience and recent productivity.
Any suggestion that the transfer is close would therefore be premature.
Has Manchester City Bid for Pedro Neto?
No confirmed bid has been made.
The distinction between contact and an offer is important.
Manchester City speaking to Neto’s representatives may establish:
- Whether the player is interested
- His likely salary expectations
- The potential contract length
- His preferred sporting role
- Whether a transfer is realistically achievable
City would then need to approach Chelsea and negotiate a club-to-club agreement.
Chelsea can refuse talks, reject an offer or set a valuation that Manchester City consider excessive.
How Neto Could Fit Into Maresca’s Manchester City?
Right-wing role
Neto could begin wide on the right, receive the ball against an isolated full-back and attack inside or outside.
Left-wing option
His experience on both flanks would allow City to rotate him with other attackers or change sides during matches.
Transitional threat
City often dominate possession, but they also need forwards capable of attacking quickly when the opponent’s structure breaks.
Neto’s speed would make him useful during those transitional moments.
Familiar tactical instructions
Having previously worked under Maresca could help Neto understand the required positioning, pressing triggers and build-up patterns.
Squad rotation
City compete across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups. Neto’s versatility would provide depth without restricting him to one attacking position.
Supporters can monitor the team’s upcoming games through the Manchester City fixtures.
How Savinho Could Influence the Neto Transfer?
Manchester City’s interest in Neto may depend heavily on Savinho’s future.
Tottenham have monitored the Brazilian winger and could attempt to bring him into De Zerbi’s squad. Savinho has faced competition for regular minutes at City, making a move attractive if another club can offer a larger role.
Should Savinho leave, City would lose a winger who provides width, dribbling and direct running.
Neto would offer many of the same qualities while bringing additional Premier League experience and an existing relationship with Maresca.
However, it is also possible that City retain Savinho and decide not to pursue an expensive replacement.
Balogun and Neto Rumours Compared
| Factor | Folarin Balogun | Pedro Neto |
| Current club | Monaco | Chelsea |
| Interested club | Tottenham | Manchester City |
| Contract expiry | June 2028 | 2031 |
| Current stage | Offered to interested club | Representative contact |
| Official bid | None confirmed | None confirmed |
| Main position | Centre-forward | Winger |
| Premier League experience | Limited senior minutes | Established |
| Transfer status | Early possibility | Early possibility |
Neither story has reached the point where supporters should expect an immediate medical or announcement.
Which Potential Transfer Is More Likely?
Balogun may be easier to acquire because his representatives appear to be actively seeking an opportunity and Monaco may consider a suitable offer.
The main uncertainty is whether Tottenham genuinely want him or are simply evaluating an unsolicited proposal.
Neto could be more difficult.
Chelsea have him under contract for another five years, he played regularly last season and he produced strong attacking numbers. Manchester City may therefore need to offer a significant fee to convince a direct Premier League rival to sell.
The Neto move could become more realistic if Savinho leaves City and Chelsea become willing to negotiate.
At present, both transfers remain possible but unadvanced.
What Happens Next?
Tottenham make a decision on Balogun
Spurs must decide whether to place Balogun on their final attacking shortlist.
A direct approach to Monaco would be the first clear indication that their interest has become serious.
Monaco establish their valuation
Balogun’s contract gives Monaco negotiating protection. The club can decide whether a sale fits its sporting and financial plans.
City assess Savinho’s future
Manchester City’s need for another winger may depend on whether Savinho stays or joins Tottenham.
Chelsea respond to City’s interest
Chelsea must decide whether Neto is essential to their plans or whether a sufficiently large offer could change their position.
Formal bids determine whether either deal advances
Until a written offer is submitted, both stories remain exploratory transfer activity.
.Final Word
Tottenham being offered Folarin Balogun and Manchester City contacting Pedro Neto’s representatives are meaningful transfer developments, but neither should be described as a deal close to completion.
Balogun presents Spurs with an interesting opportunity. He is a mobile striker entering an important stage of his career, understands English football and could provide the direct running required in De Zerbi’s attack.
The key question is whether Tottenham view him as a priority or merely one option among several forwards.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Neto depends on a more complicated chain of events. Savinho’s future must be resolved, City must decide that Neto is their preferred replacement, and Chelsea must be persuaded to sell a productive attacker with five years remaining on his contract.
For now, no bids have been confirmed and all four clubs retain control over what happens next.
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