AC Milan and Inter Milan could battle it out for the signature of versatile Manchester City defender Nathan Ake in the summer.
According to Caught Offside, Nathan Ake is the subject of a potential transfer battle between Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. The Dutch defender, known for his versatile qualities, could be on the move after being sidelined at Manchester City this season, with his future very much in the balance.
Nathan Ake has been a key player for Manchester City since his move from Bournemouth in 2020. He has flourished into one of the top defenders in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola, with his role hugely underrated in the club’s treble-winning season in 2022–23.
However, the time may have come for Manchester City to refresh their defensive ranks, as seen with their transfer activity over the last 18 months. The likes of Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, and Josko Gvardiol have arrived since that treble-winning campaign up until now, as Guardiola has sidelined Ake more as a bench option, occasionally using him as a rotational player.
AC Milan were keen in January, but given some defensive injuries at Manchester City, it was difficult to sign the Dutchman then. However, Manchester City could sell him in the summer if they receive reasonable offers for the versatile star, as the Rossoneri are set to be challenged by local rivals Inter Milan in the chase.
Barcelona were also interested, but it appears the Italian giants are the ones seriously pursuing the versatile Manchester City star ahead of the summer. It remains to be seen what sort of price point they may have to shell out, but there is a chance he could leave on the cheap, as he will have entered the final year of his deal at the Etihad.
Nathan Ake to Serie A?
AC Milan seek an experienced defender for their squad, who could slot into their starting line-up from next season onwards. There might not be an option like the versatile Manchester City star this summer in the market who is still very much capable and could be signed for a reasonable rate.
Inter Milan are aware of the player’s availability and could treat this as a market opportunity. They could potentially sign him as well as former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji next summer, but Ake could be seen as a potential, cost-effective replacement for Alessandro Bastoni, who is attracting significant interest from the Premier League.
