AC Milan join race for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji | OneFootball

AC Milan have entered the race to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Swiss international is among players the club are willing to sell, with manager Pep Guardiola keen to reduce the size of his squad.

The 30-year-old is one of several senior players whose futures remain unresolved, alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson.

Galatasaray had already reached an agreement with City over a £15 million deal for the centre-back, but negotiations stalled after he rejected their contract proposal.

Akanji was unwilling to accept their offer without a wage increase, leaving the door open for other clubs.

Milan have now contacted City to explore the conditions of a possible transfer. They have yet to submit a formal bid but have sounded out the defender’s representatives.

Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace have also shown interest, but Milan are leading the race to sign him.

The Serie A side’s need for defensive reinforcements became apparent after a disappointing opening defeat to Cremonese, where vulnerabilities at the back were exposed.

While much of their summer recruitment has focused on attacking signings, bolstering the defence is now a priority.

Akanji would provide experience and stability to a unit that relies heavily on young players such as Koni De Winter.

Galatasaray remain in contention and continue to push their case, with the lure of Champions League football and a lucrative wage package.

However, Milan can offer the prestige of playing in Serie A and a role in a team aiming to reassert itself at the top of Italian football.