AC Milan approach Man City over Manuel Akanji transfer

Seria A giant AC Milan have approached Manchester City for Manuel Akanji, challenging Galatasaray after the Swiss defender rejected a £15 million move to Turkey.

Despite playing an important role in City’s success since he joined from Borrusia Dortmund, Akanji has been frozen out of Pep Guardiola’s plans. The 30-year-old centre-back has now emerged as a serious option for the Rossoneri as they seek to strengthen their defence before the transfer window closes.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan have made first contact with City regarding a possible transfer for the Swiss international.

Romano claim Milan have not yet submitted a formal bid but have inquired about the conditions of a deal, as they look to challenge Galatasaray, who already agreed a £15m (€18m/$20m) fee with City but failed to convince the player on personal terms.

Milan’s interest in Akanji comes at a crucial time as their season began with a disappointing home defeat to Cremonese, exposing defensive weaknesses that the club cannot afford to ignore.

Akanji would also consider leaving for a new adventure with Guardiola also willing to trim his squad and focus on a smaller, more manageable group for the 2025-26 campaign.

The Swiss defender was left out of City’s squad against Tottenham and this proves he has fallen out of favour at the Etihad.

If AC Milan agree a deal with Akanji and Man City, the former Dortmund defender will slot into a defence currently reliant on young options like Koni De Winter.

With only days left in the transfer window, Milan must decide whether to accelerate their pursuit of Akanji or risk losing him to Galatasaray, who may return with an improved offer.