AS Monaco close to record €30M deal for Nantes striker Matthis Abline

AS Monaco have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Matthis Abline, with negotiations nearing a conclusion after several months of talks.

Transfer Details

The 23-year-old striker is expected to join the Principality club from FC Nantes in a deal worth approximately €30 million — a record transfer fee in FCN's history. This surpasses the €20 million (excluding bonuses) received from Neom in Saudi Arabia for Nathan Zézé last summer.

Key developments:

• Monaco submitted their first offer as early as April
• Multiple offers have since been made to Nantes directors
• The two clubs are closing in on an agreement
• Paris FC (PFC) was also in contention for the player

Player's Position

Abline, who is under contract with Nantes until June 2028, has already given his approval to join Monaco. He considers the project the most convincing option to revitalize his career following a lackluster season that ended with:

• 6 goals and 3 assists in Ligue 1
• Relegation to Ligue 2

The former France U21 international was not included in the Nantes squad for Tuesday's friendly against La Roche (5:30 PM kickoff).

Contract Terms

If the deal proceeds as expected, Abline is set to sign a 5-year contract with Monaco.

Competition

Monaco beat out interest from:

• Paris FC — returned to the case a year after previously attempting to sign the versatile striker, who was trained at Stade Rennais
• Crystal Palace — had not made a concrete move but reportedly had Abline at the top of their shortlist

Monaco's Financial Situation

Although AS Monaco are subject to salary cap restrictions and will need to offload players to balance their books — with Akliouche, Balogun, Camara, or Golovin among potential departures — the club remains able to pursue targeted expensive transfers. These are focused on:

• The center-forward position (with Abline as the target)
• The right winger role (to find a replacement for Maghnes Akliouche)

PSG Interest in Akliouche

As the heavy favorite to sign the French international, Paris Saint-Germain is expected to soon make a fourth offer for Akliouche, which would come very close to the €50 million fixed fee demanded by Monaco's management.