FC Nantes have accelerated their winter recruitment plans as they push to climb away from the Ligue 1 relegation zone, with Zakaria Aboukhlal set to make a rapid return to French football.
Sitting 17th in the table, the Canaries have identified reinforcements as an urgent priority and have already moved decisively in the transfer market.
After securing the arrivals of Deiver Machado and Rémy Cabella, Nantes have now reached an agreement with Torino over the loan of Moroccan international Zakaria Aboukhlal, according to reports from Ouest-France.
The 25-year-old winger joined the Italian club from Toulouse last summer but has struggled to establish himself in Serie A.
Limited opportunities have defined his spell in Turin, with Aboukhlal accumulating just 235 minutes of playing time across all competitions.
The lack of continuity has stalled his momentum, prompting the player to seek a move that offers regular football and a chance to reignite his form.
Nantes see Aboukhlal as a profile capable of injecting pace, directness and attacking threat into a side that has often lacked penetration this season.
Club officials believe his familiarity with Ligue 1 will allow him to adapt quickly and contribute immediately during a decisive phase of the campaign.
Although both clubs have already agreed on the framework of the loan, Aboukhlal has yet to give his final approval.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest confidence within the Nantes hierarchy, who expect a positive outcome in the coming days.
The player continues to weigh his options carefully as he looks to make a choice that best serves the next stage of his career.
Aboukhlal signed for Torino last summer in a deal valued at €8 million and committed his future to the Italian side until 2029.
Born in Rotterdam, the Moroccan international has built a reputation for his speed, work rate and ability to operate across the front line.
His current market value stands at around €9 million, while his annual salary in Italy reaches approximately €2.04 million.
A return to Ligue 1 now appears increasingly likely, with Nantes offering Aboukhlal the opportunity to regain confidence and playing time in a familiar environment.
For a club fighting for survival, the potential arrival of a proven attacking option could prove decisive in the months ahead.
