Man Utd offered former Arsenal star as cut-price January transfer to save Carrick's season

Analysis

Suraj Radia | Editor

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign a former Arsenal striker who could be ready to make the switch to Old Trafford and bolster Michael Carrick’s squad.

United are on a winless run of nine matches and sit 17th in the Premier League, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, with the pressure firmly piled on Carrick.

Although United have given Carrick until the upcoming international break to turn things around, the club are sounding out potential signing opportunities for January, which has led to Folarin Balogun’s name being offered by super agent Jorge Mendes.

According to TEAMtalk, United are among the clubs that have been offered Balogun after a disappointing few months for the Monaco forward in which he has found himself out of the first team following the collapse of his transfer to Everton on deadline day in the summer.

Interest is said to be emerging from clubs across Europe and United are among the clubs who could make a move as they look to strengthen their attacking options in January, with Benjamin Sesko facing an extended spell on the sidelines through injury.

Everton have also been given a fresh chance to sign Balogun along with Leeds, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, with Juventus also interested as Monaco look to move on a player deemed surplus to requirements.

Folarin Balogun: Monaco star looking to bounce back from Everton disappointment

Balogun scored 13 times in 26 Ligue 1 starts last season before scoring three times at the 2026 World Cup with the US national team, however he has played just 71 minutes of league action this year.

Everton had agreed a deal worth up to €50 million to sign Balogun on the last day of the transfer window but they eventually pulled out of the move due to a concern with the 25-year-old’s medical.

The Toffees felt they had found evidence of an injury for Balogun, to which Monaco disagreed, and the deal was cancelled after both clubs failed to renegotiate a lower fee containing more incentive-based clauses.

Monaco have since left Balogun out of their Champions League squad, with youngster Paris Brunner emerging as their new star man, and all parties are keen on finding the USMNT striker a new club in the winter.

Verdict: one to watch

Of the interested sides, data analytics firm SciSports believe Everton would still be the best destination for Balogun, particularly given their ongoing need for a new striker, having not signed an alternative after the deal for the Monaco man collapsed.

However, United still represent a strong option and the injury to Sesko would ensure Balogun gets enough game time up front, even if he would eventually likely end up just being a squad player for the club.

Much will depend on Monaco’s demands and a deal will only be feasible if a fee closer to Balogun's €34.8m Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) can be agreed, or a loan move, especially given the forward's declining stock since the summer.

It remains to be seen whether a move materialises for Balogun but United will certainly have his name on their radar as the club seeks cost-effective quality to save their season.

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