Pochettino eyes Balogun as first United signing with Monaco open to January deal

Mauricio Pochettino has identified Folarin Balogun as his primary transfer target ahead of the January window, according to a report from TEAMtalk, with the Manchester United head coach-elect keen to address a lack of firepower in his new squad.

Pochettino is set to become United’s fourth permanent manager of the INEOS era after Michael Carrick was dismissed following just one win in the club’s opening ten league games. The Argentine has wasted little time in pinpointing recruitment priorities, with a striker at the top of his list while Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined through injury.

Balogun, 23, came through Arsenal’s Hale End academy and made his senior debut under Mikel Arteta before a standout loan spell at Reims prompted the Gunners to cash in. He has found life at Monaco more difficult since making the move permanent, but his relationship with Pochettino — forged during a breakout tournament for the United States at the 2026 World Cup on home soil — appears central to the interest.

The report states that Balogun has given his personal approval to a switch to Old Trafford should a deal come together. Monaco are said to be open to selling in January rather than loaning, though they would consider a temporary arrangement if favourable clauses were included. Transfermarkt values the New York City-born centre-forward at €50 million.

United have previous form in recruiting from Arsenal’s academy under the current ownership. Defender Ayden Heaven has settled well since arriving from Hale End, while 18-year-old striker Chido Obi continues his development on loan at Dutch side Willem II.

TEAMtalk also note that Pochettino holds United States right-back Alex Freeman in high regard, with both full-back positions identified as areas requiring reinforcement. Tim Howard and Jonathan Spector remain the only American outfield players to have represented the club in the 21st century.