Tottenham plot ambitious move for player who idolises Arsenal legend after Savinho blow
Tottenham are studying a Savinho alternative that may not go down well with fans.
Daniel Levy was keen to land Savinho from Manchester City after Son Heung-min departed North London this month.
Son bid his farewells during Spurs’ pre-match game against Newcastle United after almost a decade at Hotspur Way. But Thomas Frank wants new blood at Tottenham, and Levy was hoping that Savinho would deliver.
However, it seems the Brazilian will remain at Man City this summer. As such, the Lilywhites are back in the market for a replacement.
Tottenham target Maghnes Akliouche idolises Thierry Henry
Savinho was meant to arrive at Tottenham alongside Eberechi Eze, who is close to signing from Crystal Palace.
But Man City are set to keep Savinho and will not sanction his exit this summer.
The news could be a blessing in disguise as Spurs look to tap into the lucrative French talent pool for a replacement. As reported by Miguel Delaney via X on Tuesday, 19 August, Tottenham are looking at Maghnes Akliouche as an alternative to the City winger.
- Akliouche recently extended his contract with AS Monaco until June 2028
- He is a Monaco academy product and made his professional debut on 16 October 2021
However, it seems Spurs’ potential transfer has a slight admiration for one Arsenal legend.
Ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Akliouche, who was hoping to represent France at the time, did not hold back on his praise for former Under-21 manager Thierry Henry.
“Both on and off the pitch, he gives me a lot of advice,” Akliouche said of Henry to TNT Sports. “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.”
His admiration of the Arsenal legend does not come as a surprise – almost every French forward grew up idolising the World Cup winner. But it may take Tottenham fans a goal or two to come to terms with it.
Who is Akliouche?
Akliouche is a left-footed right winger who plays for Ligue 1 side Monaco. The first division in France is the only league the 23-year-old has known.
He is an efficient, creative outlet who scored five goals and provided 10 assists in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 season. The Frenchman is at his best when beating defenders on the wing and cutting into the box.
Compared to Spurs’ Brennan Johnson in the Premier League last season, Akliouche is a superior creative threat.
| Johnson | Attacking Statistics | Akliouche |
| 0.45 per 90 | Expected goals | 0.35 per 90 |
| 0.12 per 90 | Expected assists | 0.29 per 90 |
| 17.9 per 90 | Successful passes | 36.1 per 90 |
| 75.8% | Pass accuracy | 84.9% |
| 0.17 per 90 | Accurate long balls | 1.16 per 90 |
| 23.5% | Long ball accuracy | 67.4% |
| 0.78 per 90 | Chances created | 1.83% |
He trumps the Englishman on chances created, accurate long balls and successful passes. Meanwhile, Johnson is a better goalscoring threat. This is similar to Savinho, who is also a creative maestro.
As a result, Tottenham’s top goalscorer last season should remain cautious if this move materialises.
Sign up for the daily Tottenham News newsletter on Substack and our new WhatsApp channel to have all the latest, breaking Tottenham Hotspur news sent straight to your phone.