Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan are reportedly keen on signing 30-year-old Swiss international Manuel Akanji from Manchester City before the summer transfer window closes.
According to a report by Football Insider, Manuel Akanji is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the final days of the summer transfer window. So, the 30-year-old Manchester City defender has emerged as a target for the North London club.
The report suggests that Manchester City will accept an offer in the “closing stages” of the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, an update by Gazzetta dello Sport has revealed that while Akanji is also a target for AC Milan, the Serie A giants are behind Tottenham in the battle for his signature.
Manuel Akanji and his Manchester City spell so far
Manuel Akanji has reached another crossroads ahead of possibly the final “big move” of his career. While the 30-year-old has been dependable at the back since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £15 million in September 2022, he has struggled with a few fitness issues in recent times, which have affected his game time.
The Swiss international has made nearly 150 appearances thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with five goals and three assists. However, Akanji faces an uncertain future at the Etihad, as Pep Guardiola’s central defensive options are stacked. The experienced centre-back has no shortage of suitors, with AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs vying for his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window.
What next for Akanji?
AC Milan’s interest in Manuel Akanji makes sense. The Serie A giants have been scouring the market for a centre-back after allowing Malick Thiaw to join Newcastle United earlier in the summer transfer window. Several candidates have thus emerged on AC Milan’s radar, with the Manchester City defender also a viable target.
Tottenham recently joined the battle for Akanji’s signature, submitting an enquiry to discuss a late move. While Thomas Frank has several quality centre-backs in his squad, Akanji has the quality to become a first-choice starter for the North London club. The experienced defender’s versatility also makes him an appealing target for Tottenham.
The latest reports have revealed that the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners are ahead of AC Milan in the battle for Akanji’s signature, with Manchester City ready to cash in on him. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 30-year-old Swiss international.
