Man City defender Manuel Akanji rejects offer from AC Milan | OneFootball

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has rejected a move to AC Milan this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Akanji wants to play Champions League football this season if he leaves Man City. Milan cannot offer that after an insipid 2024/25 campaign.

The Rossoneri did not even secure a spot in the Europa League or Europa Conference League, making a move unattractive to the Swiss international.

Galatasaray and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Akanji. The Super Lig champions were the most serious about acquiring him at one point, but he rebuffed them.

Spurs are also in the race to sign the former Borussia Dortmund centre-back, but he would be unlikely to disrupt the established pairing of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Milan would have been the best destination for Akanji, considering they are not only looking for a central defender but one with his specific characteristics.

New Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri is using three central defenders, and Akanji would be perfect for the ‘Libero’ role flanked by Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic.

While Milan academy graduate Matteo Gabbia has filled the position for now, Akanji would be a massive upgrade on him.

Akanji is a brilliant reader of the game and would be adept at mopping up the danger behind his defensive partners.

However, Milan have not convinced him to make the switch. A better financial proposal may persuade him.

Staying at City is not an option as he is behind Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov in the pecking order.