Manchester City are already in the market for a possible replacement for Tottenham Hotspur linked Savinho as they have shortlisted AS Monaco star, Maghnes Akliouche while Bayer Leverkusen see the AS Monaco star as a dream signing.
Softfootball understands that the midfielder is a priority signing for Bundesliga outfit, Bayer Leverkusen but the Cityzens coming into the picture adds an edge to the transfer race.
According to Florian Plettenberg via his official X handle, Maghnes Akliouche is open to a move but it must be the right project.
Plettenberg wrote:
“EXCL | Manchester City have added Maghnes #Akliouche to their shortlist for this summer transfer window!
“The 23 y/o remains the dream target for Bayer 04 Leverkusen as a new high-class winger.
“With #MCFC now a new competitor, especially since Akliouche would be cheaper than Rodrygo, it’s an open race. Akliouche is one to watch until Deadline Day.”
Leverkusen Coach, Erik Ten Hag wants the player as his marquee signing while Pep Guardiola eyes a different profile of player after letting Jack Grealish join Everton on a season-long loan and the possible sales of Savinho and James McAtee to Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest respectively.
Monaco slammed a €70 million fee on Maghnes Akliouche but are not entertaining enquiries from rivals Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as they do not want to strengthen their opponents in Ligue 1.
Monaco rather do business with clubs outside Ligue 1 and there where Manchester City could have advantages for the highly rated midfielder as they can comfortably outbid Leverkusen to sign Akliouche.
Monaco qualified for the UEFA Champions League and that is a huge incentive for Akliouche to remain at the club if no club agrees a deal with AS Monaco.
Maghnes Akilouche scored 5 goals in 32 Ligue 1 matches and created 10 assists as AS Monaco finished third with 61 points. Monaco will host Le Havre in their first game of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season on August 16.
