Transfer news latest as Wolves and Nottingham Forest submit bids for an in-demand winger.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly made an ambitious first offer to sign highly-rated AS Monaco winger Maghnes Alkliouche.
The Old Gold have already signed £21 million winger Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo but are eager to bolster their options in wide areas further, as well as in behind the striker. Akliouche, predominantly a right winger but also capable of playing as a number 10 or out on the left, certainly fits the bill.
French reporter Abdel Hamed claims Wolves have made a ‘concrete offer’ to bring Akliouche to Molineux. It awaits to be seen whether that’s just to the player side, to Monaco, or both, but it appears this one has progressed from mere interest. It could be an expensive deal as Akliouche’s current value - as per Transfermarkt - is around €45 million (£38.7m).
Nottingham Forest and Arsenal in race to sign Akliouche
Wolves aren’t the only team to have put forward a proposal, however, as the report states Nottingham Forest have also made a ‘concrete offer’. Wolves and Forest are said to be the only sides to have made official approaches to Monaco at this stage but they’re not alone in their interest.
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayer Leverkusen are also keeping a close eye on Akliouche and could soon submit proposals of their own. Wolves are unlikely to be able to see off such mega competition but could have a chance if the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Leverkusen don’t decide to act on their interest.
Akliouche recently enjoyed his best season to date, breaking through as one of Monaco’s star players in a third-placed Ligue 1 finish. The 23-year-old scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
The France Under-23 international doesn’t just provide an attacking threat, though, with his defensive work rate hugely impressive. Akliouche won possession in the final third 35 times last term, more than any other winger in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, the Frenchman’s 131 recoveries and 31 tackles won could only be bettered by five per cent of fellow wingers.
What’s going on with Nelson Semedo?
In other Wolves news, there’s still a big question mark over the future of captain Nelson Semedo. The right-back is now officially a free agent following the expiry of his Wanderers contract but a new and lucrative four-year deal has been on the table for several weeks now. Semedo is yet to decide if he wants to sign it or not.
As it stands, it seems more likely that Semedo will leave than stay as there’s widespread interest across Europe, including from Turkey, Spain and his homeland, Portugal. It’s understood that Semedo has filmed a farewell video on the Molineux pitch in preparation for a potential departure, but nothing is final at this moment.
It would be a significant blow for Wolves if Semedo were to leave as he’s not only a key leader in the dressing room, but also one of the most established right-backs in the Premier League. Recently a UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal for a second time, the 31-year-old is heading towards the end of his prime years and may not have many more opportunities to leave for a bigger club.
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