According to Tuttosport, Juventus have made Monaco striker Folarin Balogun their top attacking target for the January transfer window after his proposed move to Everton collapsed. The report says Juventus want further attacking reinforcement after welcoming Randal Kolo Muani and Nick Woltemade this summer.
Juventus plans and alternatives
According to Tuttosport, Juventus are on excellent terms with Balogun's agent, Jorge Mendes, and Mendes is willing to offer the striker to Juventus. Tuttosport also says Juventus are monitoring Antonio Raimondo of Frosinone and Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth as alternatives.
Why the Everton move broke down
Monaco and Everton reached an agreement over a permanent £40m deal, circa €48m, for Balogun on the summer deadline day. Balogun decided against signing with Everton after undergoing medical tests.
Monaco director Thiago Scuro said in September via The Guardian: "The Premier League has a mechanism where you can request one extra hour to finish the paperwork. This was done five minutes to the close of the transfer window there. I signed the contract, Everton signed the contract. At the last moment, the player decided not to sign. And basically, the allegation of Balogun is that: ‘I’m not feeling well by the way the club treated me. I’m not feeling well by the way the medical department of Everton brought doubts about my future or my health. I have nothing , so I’m not comfortable to sign a long contract here.’"
January deal still uncertain
It remains unclear whether Juventus can match that fee in the January window. According to Tuttosport, Balogun is destined to leave Monaco either in January or at the end of the season. Balogun's contract with Monaco expires in 2028.