Tottenham appear unlikely to add to their attacking unit on transfer deadline day.
Tottenham Hotspur faces a race against time to bring in new players. They have signed Conor Gallagher and Souza, but Thomas Frank would like at least another new face to walk in through the corridors of N17.
A wide attacker could do well for a squad decimated by injuries in recent weeks. Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus’ injuries in January have stretched the resources in attack. Kudus is expected to be out until after the March international break following a quad injury, and his void in the squad has been difficult to fill in the interim.
Thus, it is not surprising that the Lilywhites have been scouring the market for a hybrid winger/No.10. This has perhaps led to Tottenham reigniting their interest in AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche.
Tottenham cool interest in Maghnes Akliouche
Spurs have a long-standing interest in Maghnes Akliouche, and they have been contemplating launching a bid in this transfer window after missing out on his services last summer. However, it appears they will not be signing the player.
The Sun reporter Tom Barclay has ruled out Tottenham dishing out a last-minute deal with AS Monaco for Maghnes Akliouche.
“Understand Tottenham will not be signing Maghnes Akliouche. From what I’m led to believe, he was viewed as a secondary No.10 option to Xavi Simons in the summer. Yes, Spurs have been playing with two No.10s of late, but I’m told they won’t be signing MA,” Tom Barclay said on X.
Akliouche has been enjoying a productive season for Monaco, with four goals and five assists across all competitions. The left-footed creative attacker helped his side clinch a playoff berth in the Champions League. He has been one of the Ligue 1 side’s star performers, most notably catching the eye with his dazzling display in the 0-0 draw with Tottenham in the Champions League at the Principality Stadium.
A player of Akliouche’s talent and potential would have immediately enhanced this Tottenham squad. Capable of playing on the right flank and as a No.10, the Frenchman would have provided a different dimension to the Lilywhites’ attacking unit. He can stretch defences with his dribbling and pace, play in little pockets, link play and create chances in the final third.
Having lost an influential attacker in Kudus, Spurs should’ve prioritised Akliouche’s signing in the opening weeks of the winter transfer window. However, they seemingly left it very late to make a deal happen, and after being linked heavily for the second transfer window running, the French trickster is set to stay put at Monaco.