ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 22: Manuel Akanji #25 of Manchester City controls the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Manchester City FC and Al Ain FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Inter Milan are working to sign Man City defender Manuel Akanji, even if Benjamin Pavard stays at the club.
This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews.
In the last remaining hours of the transfer window, Inter have identified Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji as a transfer target.
The 30-year-old is set to leave City this summer. The Premier League giants have been working to trim their squad this summer, particularly in defense.
AC Milan had already tried to sign Akanji. However, the Swiss international wants to play in the Champions League this season, and therefore has rejected their offer.
Inter Working To Sign Akanji – Even If Pavard Leaves
Manuel Akanji Man City
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Manuel Akanji #25 of Manchester City during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
One possibility that has emerged is that Inter could sign Akanji to replace Benjamin Pavard, who is still a target for Marseille.
However, according to Sky Sport Italia, Pavard leaving wouldn’t necessarily have to happen for Akanji to arrive.
The broadcaster anticipate that Inter are working to sign Akanji no matter what. Even if they also keep Pavard in their squad.
Because it is deadline day, Inter are naturally hurrying to try and complete the deal.
Sky report that if Akanji gives the green light, then the move could speed up very quickly.