Zakaria Aboukhlal set for Auxerre move as Torino talks reach final stage

AJ Auxerre are close to completing a loan agreement with Torino for Morocco international Zakaria Aboukhlal, with only administrative and contractual details believed to remain before the transfer can be finalised.

The Ligue 1 club have accelerated their efforts in the final hours of the transfer window and negotiations with the Serie A side have made significant progress. Unless there is an unexpected late change, the 26-year-old forward is expected to join Auxerre in the Yonne on a temporary basis.

The proposed move would give Auxerre an additional attacking option as they look to strengthen their squad before the market closes. Reports from Foot Mercato indicate the two clubs are now close to reaching an agreement over the loan.

For Aboukhlal, the transfer would offer an opportunity to revive a career that has stalled since his departure from Toulouse. The Morocco international endured a difficult campaign with Torino last season, failing to score in 18 appearances.

Auxerre will hope he can rediscover the form that made him a highly regarded attacking player during his time at Toulouse. His pace, explosiveness and ability to operate out wide could add a different dimension to the club’s forward line if he is able to return to his best level.

The French club are not the only side interested in Aboukhlal. Spanish club Elche are also monitoring the player’s situation, according to Africafoot, and have included him among their potential attacking targets.

Auxerre nevertheless appear to have moved ahead of their Spanish rivals as the transfer deadline approaches. The remaining contractual and administrative steps could prove decisive in determining whether the deal is completed in time.

Aboukhlal’s arrival would represent both an attacking reinforcement and a calculated gamble for Auxerre. His previous performances at Toulouse demonstrated his ability to threaten defenders from the flanks and contribute in the final third, but his lack of goals during his first season with Torino means he would be arriving in search of a reset.

Torino are due to play their third Serie A match of the season against Fiorentina shortly. Betting company 1xbet lists Torino at 4.50 to win, with a draw priced at 3.27 and a Fiorentina victory at 1.91.

The immediate focus for Auxerre, however, remains on completing the paperwork for Aboukhlal’s proposed move. If the final details are settled before the window closes, the Morocco forward could soon begin a new chapter in France and attempt to recover the form he showed at Toulouse.