Inter Milan in Talks to Sign Manuel Akanji on Loan from Manchester City

Inter Milan have submitted a loan offer to Manchester City for defender Manuel Akanji. Direct talks between the two clubs are taking place. The Swiss centre-back has given his approval to the move, making an agreement increasingly likely as the transfer window nears its close.

WHAT HAPPENED

Inter are urgently seeking to reinforce their defensive line. The club submitted a formal loan proposal to Manchester City for Manuel Akanji, whose contract expires in June 2027. According to Sky Sport Italia, Inter are offering €2 million for the loan with a €15 million purchase option. This option can become an obligation under certain conditions. Akanji hasn’t featured for City this season, falling behind Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, and Abdukodir Khusanov in the pecking order. Therefore, with his current contract expiring in 2027, Inter are considered a great opportunity for the Swiss defender, who is looking to revive his career. With one win and a loss, Inter are currently mid-table in Serie A as they seek to fight for the league title with Juventus and Napoli. Signing Akanji would be a huge boost, as the former Borussia Dortmund star would replace Benjamin Pavard, who is closing in on a January move to Marseille. As reported by transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, talks are progressing rapidly due to the fast approaching transfer deadline, with the window closing at 8 pm CET today.

WHY IT MATTERS

Akanji played a crucial role in City’s Treble-winning 2022/23 season, making over 40 appearances last year. However, he has struggled for game time this season, with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, and John Stones ahead of him in the City pecking order. Akanji last played against Brighton in the 2023/24 Premier League on August 25. City coach Guardiola is not expected to sign another player if Akanji leaves, as morale is very high in the Manchester City dressing room. Akanji remains highly rated by Guardiola and City, having cost more than £60 million ($75 million) when he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. However, Inter have been given encouragement that a move could be possible before the deadline. Signing experienced Akanji would be a boost for the Serie A side, who finished second in the table, two points behind winners Napoli. They are also looking to replace French international Pavard, who will join Marseille in January after expressing his desire to leave the club following a series of high-profile errors. As confirmed in a recent report, Manchester City are indeed prepared to sell Manuel Akanji this summer, as they have enough central defenders.

WHAT NEXT?

If talks are concluded successfully, Akanji could fly to Italy to undergo a medical in the afternoon. The Swiss international could be registered in time for next weekend’s game against Juventus. Inter could see the fixture as a direct clash against a title rival, so signing Akanji could make a big difference for them. Meanwhile, Manchester City face Manchster United in two weeks and have relied on an exceptionally settled back four when available, with Gvardiol, Dias, and Stones all regulars alongside Rico Lewis at right-back. Akanji’s departure would leave Khusanov as a talented option, having shown his ability in recent weeks, while Calvin Phillips and Rico Lewis could also fill in as emergency solutions.