Manchester City and PSG set for summer transfer battle over Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche

Manchester City are preparing to rival Paris Saint-Germain in the pursuit of Monaco’s highly-rated midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, according to French outlet L'Équipe. However, any concrete move from the Premier League champions is believed to be contingent on their qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

'Maghnes Akliouche.'

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The 22-year-old playmaker has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most promising attacking midfielders, registering eight assists and two goals in a breakthrough campaign for AS Monaco. With speculation mounting over his summer departure, Akliouche has become a prime target for both Pep Guardiola’s City and Luis Enrique’s PSG.

City are expected to significantly revamp their midfield this summer, particularly with Kevin De Bruyne set to leave at the end of the season. Akliouche’s creativity and versatility make him a fitting candidate for Guardiola’s evolving squad, but the report indicates that the player’s camp is prioritising top-tier European football—a requirement that City are still fighting to secure.

This weekend’s 5–2 victory over Crystal Palace gave City a critical boost in their chase for a top-four finish, enhancing their Champions League prospects with just weeks left in the Premier League season.

Meanwhile, PSG’s interest in Akliouche has intensified after the French giants failed in their attempts to sign Mohamed Salah, who recently committed his future to Liverpool. The Parisian side now view the Monaco midfielder as a vital piece in their long-term domestic and continental ambitions.

Akliouche’s stock continues to rise amid Monaco’s push to secure a second-place finish in Ligue 1, a position that ensures Champions League qualification. Manager Adi Hütter and sporting director Thiago Scuro have both confirmed that the club is expecting summer bids, further signalling a likely departure.

With both Manchester City and PSG eyeing midfield reinforcements, Akliouche's decision may ultimately rest on which club can guarantee him a Champions League stage next season. As the race heats up, Europe's elite are closely watching Monaco’s rising star.