Transfer news: Monaco and Marseille weigh moves for Algerian talent before Ligue 1 begins

With the new Ligue 1 season due to start on Friday, several Algerian internationals and candidates for the national team remain in contention for moves to France as the summer transfer window enters its final stages.

Some of the potential deals have already progressed to formal bids and negotiations, while others remain at the interest or monitoring stage. Here are the five Algerian players whose futures could still have an impact on the French top flight, according to a review by Africafoot.

Fares Ghedjemis – Frosinone

The most advanced deal appears to involve Fares Ghedjemis, with AS Monaco preparing another attempt to sign the Frosinone winger.

As previously reported by Africafoot, Monaco have not abandoned their pursuit after an initial offer was rejected. L’Equipe reported that the first proposal was worth 7m euros, with a further 2m euros available in bonuses.

Frosinone are continuing to hold out for a better offer, while interest from clubs outside France remains, although the possibility of a move to Besiktas has become more complicated. Monaco can nevertheless draw confidence from the player’s own preference.

Ghedjemis is particularly attracted by the prospect of moving to France and finally proving himself in Ligue 1. Monaco must now improve their financial offer if they are to persuade the Italian club to sell.

Chances of joining Ligue 1: ★★★★☆

Rafik Belghali – Hellas Verona

Olympique de Marseille’s interest in Rafik Belghali has gone beyond an initial enquiry, but the club’s first approach was rejected by Hellas Verona.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reported that Marseille had made a concrete move for the right-back. However, the two clubs disagreed over the structure of the proposed transfer. OM preferred a loan with an option to buy, while Hellas Verona are demanding a permanent transfer.

The Italian club value the Algeria international at between 13m and 15m euros. Verona’s relegation to Serie B is expected to increase the likelihood of Belghali leaving, but competition for his signature is growing in both Italy and England.

Marseille therefore know that a revised financial proposal may be required if they are to reopen negotiations.

Chances of joining Ligue 1: ★★★★☆

Adem Zorgane – Union Saint-Gilloise

Adem Zorgane has been widely linked with Marseille in recent days, partly because of the high regard in which he is held by Bruno Genesio. The coach had already followed the Algerian midfielder’s performances during his time at Lille.

However, the player is not currently close to a move to Provence. Maghreb-Foot reported on Friday, citing sources close to Zorgane, that Marseille have made no official contact and have not opened negotiations.

Zorgane’s profile is understood to appeal to the club from a sporting perspective, but the interest has not progressed further. Union Saint-Gilloise are believed to value him at between 12m and 15m euros, making the midfielder more of a possible late-window opportunity than an immediate priority.

Chances of joining Ligue 1: ★★☆☆☆

Anis Hadj Moussa – Feyenoord

The prospect of Anis Hadj Moussa moving to France has lost some momentum but has not been ruled out completely.

Foot Mercato reported in May that Lille and Marseille were both seriously interested in the Feyenoord winger after an impressive campaign in the Netherlands. The principal obstacle remains the asking price: Feyenoord initially wanted 30m euros for the player.

Foreign competition has since increased, leaving Lille and Marseille with less room to manoeuvre. A move to Ligue 1 would now appear dependent either on Feyenoord lowering their demands or on one of the French clubs finding an alternative financial structure.

Chances of joining Ligue 1: ★★☆☆☆

Akram Bouras – Levski Sofia

Akram Bouras completes the list after attracting attention from French clubs since the spring.

According to information gathered by Africafoot in May, Toulouse and Lens had both shown interest in the Levski Sofia midfielder. Toulouse went as far as making a formal offer, while Lens ended their pursuit after signing Yacine Titraoui.

Bouras is now also being monitored by other European clubs. His main advantage, however, is his relatively affordable price compared with the other players featured here.

That lower cost could make him an attractive option for French clubs seeking a late addition before the transfer window closes, and could still lead to a last-minute twist in the market.

Chances of joining Ligue 1: ★★☆☆☆