AS Monaco have rejected a €35 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain for midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, even though the France international has already agreed personal terms with the reigning European champions.
The 24-year-old, currently representing France at the FIFA World Cup in North America, is set to depart the Principality club this summer. According to L’Équipe, Monaco dismissed PSG’s opening offer, though the stance of Les Monégasques has softened significantly since last year. Twelve months ago, the club valued their academy graduate at €70 million and effectively blocked any exit. This time, RMC Sport indicates the club will not stand in the player’s way, though they clearly expect a substantially higher fee than the initial €35 million proposal.
Monaco maintain firm valuation
Negotiations between the two Ligue 1 sides have commenced following Akliouche’s agreement with PSG. However, an accord between the clubs remains elusive despite the player’s terms being settled. Talks are expected to continue as both parties seek a compromise on the final transfer valuation.
The rejection of the €35 million bid demonstrates that Monaco, while willing to sell, are determined to secure appropriate compensation for a player who has developed through their renowned youth system and subsequently earned international recognition with France.
Parisians accelerate pursuit
PSG view the versatile midfielder as the ideal replacement for Lee Kang-in. The South Korea international is expected to complete a transfer to Atletico Madrid for a fee just exceeding €40 million including bonuses, after the clubs struck a deal. With that departure progressing, the Parisian club have intensified their efforts to secure Akliouche’s signature.
The pursuit faces competition from England, with Premier League clubs also monitoring the situation. Yet PSG currently lead the race for the 24-year-old.
Akliouche’s involvement with France at the World Cup adds a layer of complexity to the timing of any announcement. The midfielder is concentrating on international duty while his representatives and club officials work towards a fee agreement. Further negotiations are anticipated in the coming days as PSG look to meet Monaco’s expectations.
Should the move materialise, it would represent another significant departure of a Monaco academy product to a European heavyweight, continuing a well-established pattern at the Stade Louis II.