AC Milan have emerged as a potential destination for Manuel Akanji as Manchester City move to trim their squad | OneFootball

Currently, there is an abundance of centre-backs in the Manchester City squad. Ruben Dias, John Stones, Abdukodur Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are all on City’s books. As City bids to trim the size of Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of the transfer window closing, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a centre-back depart the club. One player who could potentially leave Manchester City is Manuel Akanji. The Swiss international has a host of clubs interested in securing his services, and AC Milan appears to be emerging as the frontrunner to sign Akanji.

AC Milan sees Manuel Akanji as the ideal player to bolster their defence.

Esteemed Kompany sources have learned that AC Milan is eager to bolster their defence before the transfer window closes. The AC Milan hierarchy believes that Akanji’s leadership, versatility and consistency in performance would be valuable attributes to add to their squad. It is also thought that Milan are prepared to offer Akanji a 5-year contract to sign for the Serie A giants.

Esteemed Kompany sources have also discovered that Galatasaray have had a €17 million bid accepted by Manchester City to sign Manuel Akanji. But it is believed that Akanji is uncertain about a move to Turkey. Sky Sports News has previously reported that Crystal Palace is interested in signing Akanji. They see the Swiss international as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi if the England international leaves the club. Lastly, Esteemed Kompany sources report that Bayer Leverkusen was interested in signing Manuel Akanji. But the Bundesliga club cannot meet Manchester City’s asking price at this stage of the summer transfer window.

Manuel Akanji does seem to be surplus to requirements at Manchester City.

As mentioned above, Manchester City do look to be in need of selling a centre-back. With six centre-backs in Pep Guardiola’s squad, it’s hard to see how minutes will be shared amongst so many centre-backs. Manchester City do face a hectic schedule this season, but having six centre-backs does seem excessive. When looking at which player could leave City, Manuel Akanji could be that player. Especially given that there are so many clubs interested in signing the Swiss international.

AC Milan could be a good club for Manuel Akanji to move to this summer. The Serie A giants are bidding to return to the top of Italian football. To do that, they need to bolster their squad with experienced players to complement what they have. Manuel Akanji fits that bill. Whether or not AC Milan’s interest in Akanji materialises into something more substantial remains to be seen.

Manuel Akanji’s future is one story that may dominate the final days of the transfer window. AC Milan does seem poised to make their move for the versatile defender. A move to Italy may suit Akanji and it could see him leave Manchester City as they move to trim the size of Pep Guardiola’s squad.