French-Algerian Maghnes Akliouche at centre of €70m tug-of-war between Monaco and Leverkusen

AS Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche has emerged as a prime target for Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, with the German side intensifying their interest in the 23-year-old after months of scouting.

Akliouche, who featured in 43 matches and netted seven goals this season, has impressed with his attacking flair and technical finesse. His performances have drawn growing admiration across Europe, but it is Leverkusen who have taken the lead in pursuit of the Frenchman.

According to sources close to the negotiations, Leverkusen’s recruitment department has been tracking Akliouche’s development for several months and views him as an ideal fit for the club’s high-tempo, possession-oriented system.

The German side, who are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign, believe the young midfielder’s creativity and potential align well with manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical vision.

Despite Leverkusen’s strong interest, Monaco’s valuation of the player remains a significant stumbling block. The Ligue 1 outfit are demanding €70 million for Akliouche’s services—a figure the German club sees as inflated.

Club officials in Leverkusen are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of €50 million, arguing that the absence of concrete offers from Premier League sides at Monaco’s asking price strengthens their position.

Negotiations between the two clubs have yet to reach a breakthrough, but with the summer transfer window moving into its decisive phase, talks are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

Monaco remain firm on their valuation, seeing Akliouche as a vital component of their squad and a player with significant resale value given his age and trajectory.

Leverkusen’s interest comes as the club looks to build on a successful domestic season and prepare for an expanded fixture list that includes Champions League commitments.

The addition of a versatile and technically gifted midfielder is seen as a strategic move to enhance squad depth and creativity in the final third.

Akliouche’s future now hangs in the balance, with Monaco under no financial pressure to sell but aware of the growing attention surrounding their playmaker. For the player himself, the prospect of joining one of Europe’s most exciting young teams could prove tempting, especially with the lure of Champions League football under a progressive coaching setup.

While Leverkusen weigh up their next move, Monaco remain open to discussions but are unlikely to lower their demands significantly. The coming days could prove decisive in determining whether a deal is struck or if Leverkusen will be forced to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.

In the meantime, Akliouche continues to train with Monaco as speculation over his future intensifies. With the clock ticking on the transfer window, both clubs face a delicate balancing act between ambition, valuation, and timing.