AJ Auxerre are close to agreeing a loan deal with Torino for Morocco international Zakaria Aboukhlal, with negotiations having advanced significantly in the final hours of the transfer window.
According to Foot Mercato, the Burgundy club are near an agreement with the Serie A side to bring the 26-year-old attacker to Auxerre before the market closes. The proposed move would see Aboukhlal join on loan and add another attacking option to the French club’s squad.
Talks between AJ Auxerre and Torino have moved forward considerably in recent hours. The two clubs are understood to be close to resolving the main points of the agreement, although some administrative and contractual details still need to be completed before the transfer can be formally confirmed.
Unless there is a late change in the negotiations, Aboukhlal is expected to arrive in the Yonne shortly. His move would represent an intriguing addition for Auxerre, although there is also an element of risk given the player’s recent difficulties since leaving Toulouse.
Aboukhlal did not score in 18 appearances for Torino last season. That return has left him looking to rediscover the form he showed during his time with Toulouse, where his performances helped establish his reputation as an explosive and dangerous attacking player.
A move to Auxerre could give the Morocco forward an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and regain his best level. His pace, ability to operate in wide areas and attacking effectiveness could offer a different dimension to Auxerre’s forward line if he can reproduce the qualities that previously made him stand out.
The French club are not the only side interested in Aboukhlal. Elche are also monitoring the player’s situation, according to Africafoot, with the Spanish club understood to be following developments closely.
However, Auxerre appear to have gained an advantage as the transfer deadline approaches. The remaining administrative and contractual matters could prove decisive in determining whether the club complete the signing of the Morocco international.
The timing of the negotiations comes as Torino prepare to play Fiorentina in their third match of the Italian championship. The betting company 1xbet lists Torino at odds of 4.50 to win that fixture, with a draw priced at 3.27 and a Fiorentina victory at 1.91. It also promotes the option to download 1xbet.
For now, Aboukhlal remains a Torino player, but the rapid progress in talks means his future could be settled soon. Auxerre are hoping to finalise the loan and secure an attacking reinforcement before the transfer window closes.