Spurs now move to sign Frenchman with ‘exceptional dribbling skills’ alongside Eze
Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move for AS Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche as they continue their push to strengthen the attacking department ahead of the new season. According to journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the north London club have identified the Frenchman as a realistic target after talks for Manchester City’s Savinho hit a financial roadblock.
Spurs, who are preparing for their return to the Champions League, have already lined up Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze as a marquee signing. However, new head coach Thomas Frank is eager to add more depth and variety to his frontline, believing that one additional attacking option will be vital for competing on multiple fronts.
Savinho Deal Hits a Wall
Tottenham opened discussions with City over a potential deal for Savinho, but the Premier League champions are demanding in the region of £60 million for the Brazilian winger. While highly rated, Spurs believe the asking price is inflated and have therefore shifted their attention to alternatives. That has put Akliouche firmly on the radar, with the Monaco star seen as a player who could fit seamlessly into Frank’s system while also offering long-term potential.
Akliouche’s Rise in Ligue 1
At just 23 years old, Akliouche has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking talents in French football. Known for his exceptional close control, dribbling flair, and versatility, he enjoyed a productive campaign last season, contributing seven goals and 12 assists across 42 appearances. He has already carried that form into the current campaign, finding the net in Monaco’s 3-1 victory over Le Havre at the weekend.
Across the 2023–24 season, Akliouche recorded eight goals and four assists, numbers that highlight his steady development. Tottenham scouts have tracked him over the past two years and have been particularly impressed with his consistency, technical ability, and capacity to impact games in multiple roles.
Why Spurs Want Him
Predominantly a right winger, Akliouche can also operate centrally or even drop deeper into attacking midfield. His work rate and pressing ability are standout traits, while his intelligence in transition makes him a dangerous weapon in counter-attacking situations—an element Thomas Frank values highly. Beyond his offensive attributes, Akliouche is also praised for his defensive contributions, willingness to press high up the pitch, and an improving end product in terms of both finishing and final passes.
Such qualities make him not only a strong candidate to bolster Spurs’ current squad but also a player who could grow into one of Europe’s more complete attackers under the right coaching.
Premier League Appeal and International Ambitions
For Akliouche, a move to the Premier League represents a potential career-defining step. While he has featured regularly for France’s youth national teams, breaking into Didier Deschamps’ senior setup has so far proved difficult, with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Kingsley Coman ahead of him.
Tottenham’s platform, combined with the visibility of Champions League football, could significantly boost his chances of finally earning that long-awaited call-up. With the 2026 World Cup edging closer, the 2025–26 campaign is viewed as crucial for the attacker’s international ambitions, and a high-profile move away from Ligue 1 could be the catalyst he needs.
What Happens Next
Tottenham are expected to open talks with Monaco in the coming days to explore a possible deal. While the Ligue 1 side are reluctant to lose one of their brightest talents, Spurs’ offer of Champions League football and the prestige of the Premier League may sway both the player and the club.
For Tottenham, signing Akliouche would not only soften the blow of missing out on Savinho but also represent a smart investment in a player who fits their current project—young, dynamic, and hungry to prove himself on the biggest stage.