AC Milan And Tottenham Battle To Sign Manuel Akanji From Manchester City

AC Milan want to sign Manuel Akanji from Manchester City. They have offered €15 million plus add-ons for the Swiss defender. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested as the transfer window is about to close.

WHAT HAPPENED?

AC Milan have made a bid for Manuel Akanji. Manchester City are ready to sell the 30-year-old centre-back as they have sufficient central defenders. There are no problems over the transfer fee. But Milan must agree on personal terms with Akanji, whose salary is above their usual limits. Spurs have also contacted Akanji’s representatives after the player refused to join Galatasaray. Milan have made a fresh contract offer to the player as they seek to seal the deal before Monday.

DEFENSIVE NEEDS AND SEASON PERFORMANCE

AC Milan’s defensive frailties were exposed on the opening day of the Serie A season against Cremonese, leading to growing concerns. They need reinforcements even though they are currently sitting near the bottom after their opening day loss. Akanji is seen as the ideal addition given his leadership and consistency, and according to reports, Milan consider him a good option to enhance their defense. He made 27 appearances for City last season, scoring once and providing two assists. Spurs are also in need of defensive upgrades as they are playing the Champions League and the Premier League this season, with bold ambitions for both competitions. Akanji is viewed as a solution to their problems too. City’s centre-back surplus also means they are open to letting him go.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The deal could depend on whether Akanji is willing to accept a pay cut. Milan are under financial constraints and could have to sell to make space for the player in the squad. Spurs will be ready to swoop in if Milan struggle to agree on personal terms with Akanji, who is still weighing his options after rejecting Galatasaray’s initial offer. Milan’s next match is against Lecce, who are one point above them in the table, and the need for defensive upgrades is pressing. Tottenham are up against Bournemouth, as they could finish the weekend isolated in 1st place in the Premier League. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, both clubs are working frantically to complete a deal. The next 72 hours could see fast developments in this saga.