Everton agree £40m Balogun deal from Monaco as Moyes reshapes attack before deadline

Everton have agreed a deal worth around £40m with Monaco to sign United States international Folarin Balogun, as manager David Moyes moves to reshape his attack ahead of the transfer deadline.

Balogun, 25, came through Arsenal’s academy before moving to France, where he scored 19 goals for Monaco last season. He is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 club, clearing the way for his move to Merseyside.

The striker arrives as Beto departs, with Fiorentina having agreed a deal to sign the 28-year-old Portuguese forward. Beto scored 25 goals in 113 appearances for Everton following his £25m move from Udinese in 2023, spending last season competing with Thierno Barry for the centre-forward role.

Balogun was at the centre of significant controversy during this summer’s World Cup, when a ban he faced was suspended after United States president Donald Trump lobbied FIFA president Gianni Infantino on his behalf.

Everton’s summer activity does not stop with Balogun. Moyes is in advanced talks with Manchester City to bring Jack Grealish back to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on loan. Grealish, who spent last season at Everton, is considered surplus to requirements at City, who have agreed a separate £60m deal to sign Iliman Ndiaye — a move that has also ended Richarlison’s hopes of leaving Tottenham Hotspur, with the Brazilian now set to remain in north London.

Everton are also close to signing a right-back, with Fulham’s Kenny Tete in discussions over a move that could cost around £9m.

One player who will not be leaving is teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong. Moyes indicated he was reluctant to sanction a sale, and Everton ultimately decided against a deal with Nottingham Forest following a backlash from supporters.