Arsenal are busy in the transfer market, and talks over a move for Viktor Gyokeres may well help them land a star forward along the way.
The Gunners have been looking to land a striker this summer as Mikel Arteta needs to add some firepower to his ranks.
After a season that lacked goals for Arsenal, there have been plenty of targets rumoured, but none more so than Viktor Gyokeres.
While Arsenal have held talks with Gyokeres, the striker’s agent may well have helped the side in their pursuit of another transfer target.
Arsenal hold Maghnes Akliouche talks after Viktor Gyokeres transfer discussions
Arsenal have been in talks with Gyokeres over a transfer switch, with his agents deep in discussions over the Sporting CP star moving to the Emirates Stadium.
While Andrea Berta heads up those talks, the sporting director may well have taken advantage of those contacts.
That’s because, according to L’Equipe, talks have also been held over another client of agent Hasan Cetinkaya.
That is for AS Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, the 23-year-old French playmaker who has shown plenty of potential.
It’s claimed that the attacking midfielder features on a list of options being assessed this summer, but he won’t come cheap.
A €70 million (£60 million) price tag has been slapped on Akliouche, which could make any deal complicated.
The 23-year-old had 15 goal involvements in Ligue 1 last season, while he scored two and assisted twice in the Champions League.
Maghnes Akliouche was once coached by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry
With Maghnes Akliouche now appearing as a target for Arsenal this summer, there is already a connection between him and the club.
The attacking playmaker was actually coached by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry during his time at the Olympics and in the France under-21s.
Speaking in early 2025, Akliouche told TNT Sports: “Both on and off the pitch, he [Thierry Henry] gives me a lot of advice.
“Thanks to his experience as a player and coach, his words are gold. You have to pay attention to them. When he says something to you, you pay attention because he never says just anything.
“He’s also aware that young players need more attention and advice, so he helps us a lot. It’s important to have that help.”
That connection could help Arsenal get a deal over the line, should Henry manage to convince Akliouche of making such a move.
It remains to be seen, though, if the Gunners are willing to match AS Monaco’s demands, though.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Luke Thrower