Arsenal in Talks for £60m Monaco Midfielder Compared to Saka & Rodrygo

For several months, discussions surrounding Arsenal`s transfer plans have primarily focused on their need for a new central striker.

This emphasis is easily understood, as by the conclusion of the previous season, Mikel Arteta`s squad had netted 17 goals fewer than Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City, despite securing a second-place finish in the Premier League.

However, while potential striking targets like Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, and Ollie Watkins would undoubtedly boost the North London club`s goal output, it also makes strategic sense for them to reinforce their options on the wings and in midfield.

Fortunately, this appears to be part of their strategy, with recent reports linking them to a highly promising talent who has drawn comparisons to both Bukayo Saka and Rodrygo.

Arsenal Target Wide Talent

Although a new number nine is a high priority for Arsenal this summer, adding more wide attacking talent seems equally important to Arteta and his team. This is supported by reported links to players such as Noni Madueke and Rodrygo.

Madueke, for example, might be available for around £50m. While he may not generate widespread excitement among fans, he is a homegrown player with experience in the Premier League.

Rodrygo, conversely, fits neither of those descriptions, but having won two Champions League titles and contributing 25 goals or assists in 53 appearances last season, he appears capable of justifying a potential £85m fee.

However, a new and exciting player has now emerged as a potential target – one who has been likened to both the Brazilian forward and Saka.

According to a recent report from the French publication L`Équipe, Arsenal are interested in AS Monaco`s talented player, Maghnes Akliouche.

The report indicates that Andrea Berta, while holding talks with Viktor Gyokeres` representative, also made inquiries about the 23-year-old Akliouche, who happens to have the same agent.

The L`Équipe report further suggests that should Arsenal wish to sign the French player, they would likely need to pay the Ligue 1 side approximately €70m, which is equivalent to around £60m.

While potentially a surprising signing, Akliouche`s ability and promising potential make him a player Arsenal should continue to evaluate, particularly given the comparisons drawn to Saka and Rodrygo.

Statistical Comparison: Akliouche vs Saka & Rodrygo

The primary source of comparisons between Akliouche, Saka, and Rodrygo comes from the football statistics website FBref. Their analysis identified the Arsenal star as the fifth most statistically similar midfielder to Akliouche based on Champions League performance this season, with the Real Madrid player ranking as the tenth most similar.

The basis for these comparisons can be seen by examining the specific metrics where the Frenchman`s numbers are close to those of the two internationals. For Saka, these per 90 statistics include assists, tackles plus interceptions, and carries.

For Rodrygo, the similar underlying numbers per 90 minutes include non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, goal-creating actions, and progressive carries.

While sharing key statistical similarities with two of the most dynamic wingers in the game is certainly encouraging and suggests the Monaco player has a bright future, this is not the sole argument for Arsenal to consider signing him.

Another significant factor is his performance output from last season.

In 43 appearances, accumulating 3301 minutes, the impressive 23-year-old, described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as possessing a `left foot made of gold,` registered seven goals and provided 12 assists.

This amounts to an average goal involvement approximately every 2.26 games, or roughly every 174 minutes. Based on this rate, he would have been the joint fourth most productive player within Mikel Arteta`s squad last season.