Tottenham have set their sights on signing AS Monaco playmaker Maghnes Akliouche
The 2025/26 season is upon us, and Tottenham Hotspur seemingly do not look ready for it- both on the pitch and off it.
The Lilywhites’ performance against Bayern Munich in their final friendly fixture on Thursday was a timely reminder that there is still a lot of areas to improve upon. There are several gaps in the squad that requires addressing before the transfer window slams shut in September. Plus, losing key players such as Son Heung-min to Los Angeles FC and James Maddison (serious injury), have been big body blows for Thomas Frank to endure.
Maddison will miss significant chunks of the forthcoming season after suffering an ACL injury in a pre-season game against Newcastle United. The attacking midfielder’s absence has certainly triggered panic among the key decision-makers of the club, leaving the north Londoners to scramble for options in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
To deal with the England international’s lengthy absence, Tottenham have started scouring the market for a creative midfielder and it looks like they have identified a talent from Ligue 1 to fill in his void in Frank’s roster.
AS Monaco playmaker firmly on Tottenham radar
According to French journalist Sebastien Vidal on X, Tottenham have set their sights on AS Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche. They are monitoring the 23-year-old and view him as a “versatile and technically gifted option” who offers creativity. No offers have been tabled, but the player features firmly on the north London club’s radar.
Maghnes Akliouche, a left-footed playmaker, enjoyed a strong 2024/25 season with AS Monaco, scoring five goals and supplying 10 assists in 32 Ligue 1 appearances. The France youth international’s performances at the Principality Stadium have left several clubs vying for his signature.
However, Bayer Leverkusen have been showing the most concrete interest in the 23-year-old. The Bundesliga club want Akliouche to solve their creativity issue and are hoping to conclude a deal worth around €50 million.
Spurs must push for the France youth international’s signing
Akliouche starred on the right wing for Monaco last season but has played in attacking midfield. He has a wand of a left foot, capable of striking the ball from distance and scoring goals. Plus, the Frenchman’s playmaking ability would suit Frank’s system at White Hart Lane.
Spurs could move for the Monaco star as a long-term investment that also helps their need to replace the injured Maddison. Once Maddison does return from injury in 2026, he could be an option in other positions, including on the right. Therefore, Daniel Levy and Co. must not hesitate to go all out and beat Bayer Leverkusen to Akliouche’s signing.
