Arsenal recently showed an interest in AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, but the asking price seemingly makes a summer move difficult.
PARIS, FRANCE: Thierry Henry, Head Coach of Team France speaks to Kiliann Sildillia #5 and Maghnes Akliouche #8 of Team France during the Men's Gold Medal match between France and Spain during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 09, 2024. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
L’Equipe report that during conversations with Viktor Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya, Arsenal took the opportunity to discuss another of the agent’s clients – Maghnes Akliouche of AS Monaco.
Arsenal are on the lookout for wingers this summer, and Akliouche was one of several names to appear on the club’s shortlist.
But the biggest stumbling block for a transfer is Monaco’s demands, wanting no less than €70m (£60.4m).
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Maghnes Akliouche of AS Monaco with Antonio Silva of SL Benfica in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between SL Benfica and AS Monaco at Estadio da Luz on February 18, 2025. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
That may well be a price Arsenal could afford this summer, but the Gunners have a lot of other business to do. And if they’re going to invest upwards of €70m on a winger, a move for a more established player like Rodrygo of Real Madrid seems more sensible at that price point.
Though Akliouche has made occasional appearances on the left, he primarily operates from the right-hand side, where he’d be a backup to Bukayo Saka at Arsenal.
Ideally, Arsenal would add a strong Saka alternative to the squad ahead of next season. But again, probably not for €70m.
LYON, FRANCE: Maghnes Akliouche of France in action during the Men's semifinal match between France and Egypt during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Lyon on August 05, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Akliouche scored seven goals and assisted 12 for Monaco in all competitions in 2024/25, including four goal contributions in 10 Champions League appearances.
It was the right-winger’s first campaign playing in the Champions League, and a debut goal against Barcelona was surely the highlight of his season.
Monaco qualified for the Champions League again this year, following a third-place finish in Ligue 1.
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