Manchester City have not given up on Maghnes Akliouche. Sources confirm the Premier League champions remain firmly interested in the Monaco playmaker, even after spending €36.5 million on Rayan Cherki from Lyon last summer.
Monaco open door to January exit
Understanding is that Monaco's position has softened. According to The Athletic, the Principality club would now consider a mid-season departure for their academy product. This represents a significant shift from the summer, when Monaco's €70 million valuation scared away a host of elite suitors.
Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain all explored deals for Akliouche before the current campaign. Each walked away when Monaco refused to negotiate below their asking price. City monitored the situation closely but ultimately moved for Cherki instead.
Guardiola eyes French connection
Pep Guardiola's interest has not waned. L'Équipe reports that City's recruitment team continue to track the 23-year-old, viewing him as the ideal creative reinforcement to complement their existing options. The prospect of pairing Akliouche with compatriot Cherki appeals to the City hierarchy.
Cherki delivered a masterclass against Sunderland at the weekend, his rabona assist for Phil Foden's header the standout moment of City's 3-0 victory. Another technically gifted French playmaker would give Guardiola unparalleled depth in attacking midfield positions.
Akliouche has endured a slight dip in form this season, contributing three goals and four assists across 19 appearances in all competitions. He has started regularly in the Champions League and earned five caps for France, scoring once. The talent remains evident even during quieter spells.
Price tag the key obstacle
Monaco's valuation continues to present the primary hurdle. The club still expect a fee approaching €70 million for their prized asset. Whether City are prepared to meet that figure for a player they view as squad depth rather than a guaranteed starter remains unclear.
Sources close to the situation suggest City would prefer to negotiate a lower fee given Akliouche's current output. Monaco, however, see no reason to accept a discount for a player under long-term contract who continues to attract interest from across Europe.
The January window will test both parties' resolve. City want Akliouche but not at any price. Monaco need a significant offer to justify selling a homegrown talent mid-season. Finding middle ground will determine whether the French international swaps the Principality for Manchester.
