AS Monaco are closing in on a €30 million deal to sign Matthis Abline from Nantes. The 23-year-old striker has already agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 side on a five-year contract.
The agreement would mark a record sale for Nantes, who were relegated to Ligue 2 last season. Abline’s departure had been widely anticipated following the club’s demotion, given his potential and marketability. The transfer fee would provide the second-tier club with substantial funds to reshape their squad as they aim for an immediate return to the top flight.
The forward developed through the Stade Rennais academy before establishing himself at Nantes. His performances have attracted significant interest from elite clubs across recent transfer windows, with Monaco submitting several bids to their counterparts over recent months before nearing this breakthrough.
Monaco reshape attacking options
The move addresses Monaco’s urgent need to refresh their forward line ahead of the new campaign. Folarin Balogun is expected to depart the Principality club following a convincing performance with the United States national team at the 2026 World Cup. Monaco have been actively seeking a versatile striker to fill the void left by the American international’s anticipated exit, viewing Abline as the ideal candidate to lead their attack.
The prospective deal also comes amid wider changes to Monaco’s squad composition. Midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, who has attracted strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain, and Russia international Aleksandr Golovin are both set to leave the club this summer. The reshaping of the playing staff represents a pivotal transfer window for the club as they seek to maintain their challenge at the top of French football.
An agreement between the clubs now appears imminent after prolonged negotiations. The transfer would see Abline remain in France’s top flight despite his current side’s relegation, securing the forward a platform at a club competing in European competition while allowing Nantes to reinvest funds ahead of their crucial season in Ligue 2.