AJ Auxerre turn their attention to Southampton striker Archer

Moroccan international Zakaria Aboukhlal's ambition to return to Ligue 1 has taken a surprising hit as negotiations between AJ Auxerre and Torino have stalled regarding the player's transfer during the current summer transfer window.

French magazine «Onze Mondial» reported that negotiations between the clubs have not led to a final agreement, as disagreements over some details of the deal continue, prompting AJ Auxerre's management to reconsider their plan and abandon the signing of the Moroccan striker.

Despite the setback in the deal for Abu Khlaal, AJ Auxerre's management remains committed to the idea of bringing in a new striker before the transfer window closes, especially since coach Will Still wants to strengthen the attacking line, despite the club recently signing Rémy Labeau Lascary and Romain Faivre.

After failing to negotiate with Torino, the French club has turned its attention to Englishman Cameron Archer, a forward for Southampton, who is well-known to manager Will Still, having previously worked with him during his time at the English club.

The previous relationship between Steel and Archer could boost negotiations as the transfer window deadline approaches, with AJ Auxerre eager to finalize a new attacking deal as soon as possible.

According to the same source, Archer has already arrived in AJ Auxerre, where he is expected to undergo medical tests ahead of completing his transfer to the French club.

Thus, Abou Khla's return to Ligue 1 via AJ Auxerre seems unlikely at the moment, as stalled negotiations with Torino have prevented the deal from being completed, leading the French club to turn to Cameron Archer as a new option to bolster their attack in the final hours of the summer transfer window.