Akliouche Transfer: Arsenal & Liverpool Lead Monaco Chase

Akliouche transfer talk has erupted across Europe after Monaco’s dazzling playmaker Mahamadou Akliouche produced the season of his life in 2024-25, registering 12 goals, 14 assists and countless highlight-reel moments that have scouts scrambling for plane tickets to the Principality.

Why the Akliouche transfer is gathering pace

The Akliouche transfer narrative accelerated once the Ligue 1 campaign closed with Monaco finishing third, a position they owed largely to their nimble No. 10. The 23-year-old’s contract runs until June 2027, yet insiders insist the club privately accept that this summer represents peak value. Sporting director Paul Mitchell has set an initial price of €55 million, a figure viewed as negotiable given Premier League spending power.

Arsenal’s tactical temptation

Mikel Arteta has long admired Akliouche’s ability to drift between the lines and break low blocks with disguised passes. The Gunners lack a pure creator behind the striker when Martin Ødegaard needs a rest; an Akliouche transfer would give Arsenal rotation, enable 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 flexibility, and reduce overreliance on Bukayo Saka for chance creation. Sources in North London claim preliminary discussions have taken place, with Monaco aware of Arsenal’s intent to structure an upfront fee plus performance-related add-ons.

Liverpool’s rebuild under Slot

Arne Slot wants technical midfielders who can press like forwards and dribble like wingers. The Akliouche transfer profile ticks every box. With Thiago Alcântara leaving and questions over Harvey Elliott’s best position, Liverpool see the Frenchman as a successor to the creative duties once handled by Philippe Coutinho. Data analysts at Anfield note Akliouche ranks in Ligue 1’s top five for progressive passes, progressive carries and successful take-ons—metrics Liverpool prize.

Other European heavyweights monitoring the situation

While Arsenal and Liverpool lead the queue, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atlético Madrid have all inquired. Bayern view him as a long-term Thomas Müller heir; Juve appreciate his ability to unlock rigid Italian defences; Atlético covet his spark to balance Diego Simeone’s famed grit. Monaco are delighted—more bidders mean a higher eventual fee.

Monaco’s stance on the Akliouche transfer

Monaco are historically pragmatic sellers. From Kylian Mbappé to Aurélien Tchouaméni, they maximise profit then reinvest smartly. Club president Dmitry Rybolovlev prefers auctions, but he also maintains a good relationship with Premier League clubs thanks to past deals. Insiders say a decisive offer of €60-65 million could seal the Akliouche transfer before pre-season, allowing Monaco time to recruit replacements.

Player profile: what makes Akliouche special?

Born in Tremblay-en-France, Akliouche graduated through Monaco’s famed academy the same year as Benoît Badiashile. Standing 1.80 m, he combines low-centre-of-gravity agility with deceptive upper-body strength, enabling him to shrug off taller defenders. Technically, he favours half-turn receives, firing off quick one-twos before accelerating. Coaches praise his vision—he completes risky vertical passes others shy away from—and his pressing intensity, ranking top among Ligue 1 playmakers for high turnovers leading to shots.

Statistics underline the hype

• 12 league goals – third among Ligue 1 midfielders
• 14 assists – second behind PSG’s Vitinha
• 2.7 chances created per 90 minutes
• 3.4 successful dribbles per 90, 63% success rate
These numbers explain why the Akliouche transfer has become a summer priority for several directors of football.

How he would fit at each potential destination

Arsenal

Arteta could deploy him as a left-sided No. 8 in a 4-3-3, rotating with Kai Havertz or Ødegaard. His ambidextrous passing would connect with Gabriel Martinelli’s diagonal runs, while his defensive hustle aligns with Arteta’s five-lane press.

Liverpool

Slot may install Akliouche as an advanced No. 8 in a 4-2-3-1, mirroring how he used Orkun Kökçü at Feyenoord. The Frenchman’s quick accelerations would dovetail with Darwin Núñez’s chaotic runs, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inverted-full-back switches would find him between the lines.

Bayern Munich

In Bavaria, Akliouche could inherit Müller’s Raumdeuter role, ghosting into spaces created by Harry Kane’s drops. His French connection with Kingsley Coman and Dayot Upamecano would ease adaptation.

Financial landscape of the Akliouche transfer

Premier League TV revenue means Arsenal and Liverpool can comfortably outbid continental rivals. Both clubs could amortise a €60 million fee over a five-year contract, equating to €12 million per season—well within Financial Fair Play limits. Juventus face stricter constraints, while Atlético rely on player sales.

Agent influence and player preference

Akliouche is represented by Stellar Group, noted for smooth negotiations with English clubs. Though publically respectful to Monaco, the player dreams of Champions League glory and is fluent in English, hinting at a Premier League move. Friends claim he idolised Cesc Fàbregas—another ex-Monaco star who shone in London.

Timeline: when could the deal happen?

June: Initial contacts and bidding framework
Early July: Player agreement on personal terms
Mid-July: Monaco evaluate bids during pre-season camp
Late July: Preferred club closes deal before Community Shield or Super Cup
The Akliouche transfer is unlikely to drag into August because Monaco loathe last-minute exits that hinder squad planning.

Risks and challenges

1. Adaptation: Ligue 1 to Premier League pace can overwhelm newcomers.
2. Physical toll: His slight frame may need bulking, echoing Bernardo Silva’s adaptation at Manchester City.
3. Expectations: A €60 million fee brings scrutiny; mis-used creators often suffer in England’s direct matches.

Expert voices weigh in on the Akliouche transfer

Former Monaco coach Niko Kovač: “He reminds me of David Silva with a bit more verticality. Any top club would improve instantly.”
French pundit Julien Laurens: “He’s ready for the Premier League. The only question is which style maximises him—slotting in at Arsenal or spearheading Liverpool’s renaissance.”
Data scout Grace Robertson: “His ball-carrying into the box is elite; only Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé completed more carries ending in shots.”

Conclusion

All signs suggest the Akliouche transfer will headline this window’s saga. Arsenal and Liverpool lead, but Bayern and Juventus lurk. Monaco, true to type, will sell once premium value is achieved. Whoever wins, they secure one of Europe’s most inventive young midfielders— a player ready to light up the Champions League stage.

Opinion: Given his technical ceiling and tactical intelligence, Akliouche feels tailor-made for Arsenal’s positional play. Yet Liverpool’s pressing machine might unlock another level entirely. Either way, the club willing to act fastest will snag the bargain of the summer.