Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag set for transfer battle as Man City eye €70m Monaco star being pursued by Bayer Leverkusen

According to Florian Plettenberg, Pep Guardiola’s City have reignited their pursuit of Monaco winger Akliouche. The 23-year-old remains Leverkusen’s “dream target” this summer, but the Sky Blues' entry into the race adds fresh competition. Valued at €70 million (£60m/$77m), Akliouche is seen as a cheaper alternative to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who could cost around €100m (£85m/$109m).

City’s attacking department is set for a shake-up, with Jack Grealish moving to Everton on loan and James McAtee in talks with Nottingham Forest. Tottenham have also made a €50m (£43m/$55m) bid for Savinho, though City value him closer to €70m (£60m/$82m). With potential departures mounting, Guardiola is pushing for a late marquee signing, keeping both Rodrygo and Akliouche on the radar.

Akliouche’s stock has risen after a breakout season in which he scored seven goals and registered 12 assists across all competitions. Predominantly a right winger, he can also operate across the front line. Having debuted for Monaco’s first team in 2021, the French youth international has steadily become one of Ligue 1’s most exciting attacking talents.

With less than three weeks left in the transfer window, the race for Akliouche is expected to intensify. Die Schwarzroten are still hopeful of landing him, but City’s financial muscle and the lure of working under Guardiola could prove decisive. Monaco, meanwhile, may hold firm on their €70m valuation as they brace for late bids. City will face Wolves at Molineux Stadium this weekend, while Leverkusen take on Sonnenhof Großaspach in the DFB-Pokal first round on Friday.