Arsenal move for Maghnes Akliouche as Andrea Berta risks missing out on dream signing

Andrea Berta is working overtime for Arsenal this summer and is in negotiations with several targets over several positions. The club’s major target for the winger position remains Rodrygo, but the Italian will have other names on the list.

The latest to be discussed is Monaco’s Maghes Akliouche. The France youth international has been very impressive for his club side in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

The 23-year-old has 12 goals and 14 assists in 78 league games for Monaco, but having now watched a lot more of the player, what stands out is something aside from the youngster. What stands out is how wasteful his teammates are to the chances he creates for them – I found myself gasping at some of the misses that were being showcased.

Delving into his positioning, he plays mainly on the right-hand side, surprisingly, which would conflict with links to the likes of Rodrygo, who would be rubberstamped to start on the left. He is left-footed and likes to cut inside, but he does drift around the field and, despite starting on the right, can be found on the left flank during moves.

His greatest assets lie in his technical close control and, as mentioned, his creativity. He only ranks in the 25th percentile of Europe’s top five leagues’ wingers and attacking midfielders for non-penalty goals per 90 at 0.17 over the last year.

For comparison, Bukayo Saka ranks in the 77th percentile (0.36), Rodrygo in the 75th (0.35), and Martinelli, who has faced criticism for a lack of goals, sits in the 57th percentile (0.28). He could take more shots, but is mainly focused on creation.

Akliouche is in the 75th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.43), 89th for progressive passes per 90 (6.17), 76th for progressive carries (4.60), and 71st for touches in the opposition penalty box per 90 (5.33). Yet these alone would not grab the eye of Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard appreciates a player who contributes at both ends of the field. Akliouche ranks in the 84th percentile for tackles per 90 (1.79) and the 88th for interceptions (0.70), a very good return for a player in his position, which is sure to be of interest to the club.

The numbers are certainly encouraging. However, when the club have the chance to sign a player of the level of Rodrygo, there is no doubt that Akliouche is more of a player with a great future, but he would face questions about what his contributions would be from the off.