With the season fast approaching, AS Monaco are honing in on multiple targets, and have recently seen a bid for Folarin Balogun rejected by Arsenal.
The €45m received through the sale of Axel Disasi to Chelsea has provided a significant financial boost, and Monaco now look to reinvest that sum with the Principality club hoping to add significant reinforcements ahead of the season.
Folarin Balogun – linked by The Athletic to Monaco
Balogun blossomed on loan at Reims last season, but has since returned to parent club Arsenal. However, the USMNT striker’s future may not lie at the Emirates Stadium. Monaco faced the Gunners in a pre-season friendly last week, and Monaco used the match as an opportunity to discuss a transfer for Balogun. Since Breel Embolo’s ACL injury, which was confirmed on Monday, Monaco submitted a formal offer to Arsenal, but was rejected.
However, Monaco are very keen on bringing Balogun to the Stade Louis II and the Principality club are therefore set to continue their pursuit. Another “big” offer will soon be submitted, according to renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Tosin Adarabioyo – linked by L’Équipe and Foot Mercato to Monaco
Even without the departure of Disasi, AS Monaco were looking to strengthen their defence. The arrival of Mohammed Salisu has already been confirmed, but another recruit is expected. The Principality club have a long-standing interest in Fulham’s English centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo and have recently made concrete steps towards signing the player. According to L’Équipe, an agreement between Monaco and Adarabioyo has already been found. Foot Mercato have added that the player is insisting on a move to Monaco, and has even rejected advances from Tottenham Hotspur. An agreement must now be found with Fulham for the player’s transfer.
Denis Zakaria – linked by Fabrizio Romano to Monaco
Juventus’ Deniz Zakaria looks to be nearing a move to Monaco. Romano is reporting that the Principality club are looking to wrap up the deal by the end of the week, and there is a slim chance that the Swiss international could even be included in Monaco’s matchday squad to face Clermont Foot on Sunday. Zakaria spent last season on loan at Chelsea and would strengthen a midfield that may yet see further departures.
Deivid Washington – linked by Foot Mercato to Monaco
The transfer of Deivid Washington was discussed when Monaco sold Jean Lucas to Santos earlier this summer. However, Chelsea, with their almost incomparable financial clout, have sought to beat the Principality club to the signing of the promising forward. According to Fabrizio Romano, Washington’s move to Chelsea is close, however, Monaco are looking to hijack the deal. The 18-year-old Brazilian would prefer a move to Monaco, according to Foot Mercato, and new sporting director Thiago Scuro has flown out to Brazil to continue talks. The conclusion of this transfer saga looks set to conclude soon, although Washington’s final destination is still seemingly in the balance.
Youssouf Fofana – linked by Sky Sports to West Ham
Monaco’s focus is firmly on incomings, but there could yet be further departures. Ismail Jakobs has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest in recent days, but by far the most lucrative departure would be Youssouf Fofana. The France international would garner a high fee, and according to Sky Sports, the former Strasbourg midfielder is attracting Premier League interest. West Ham have been looking to strengthen their midfield and the Hammers look set to miss out on Zakaria. Fofana is another target, however, with the Premier League club simultaneously looking at other options, it is unclear whether West Ham will make concrete advances on the midfielder. Other “big European clubs” are also interested in Fofana this summer and the Frenchman will be allowed to leave for the right fee.
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Photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life