In their active search to sign a centre-back who can operate on the left side, FC Barcelona have identified Nathan Ake as a potential target.
The Manchester City defender has lost prominence this season, with Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias establishing themselves as regular starters.
In terms of profile, Ake fits the type of player Barcelona are seeking and is a player that Hansi Flick admires. However, they are not the only club interested in him.
AC Milan want Nathan Ake
Indeed, AC Milan find themselves in a similar position to Barcelona. According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the Italian club are considering reinforcing their defence during the winter transfer window.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side already have a settled back line, but they would not rule out adding depth to the squad.
Milan are looking for a player capable of playing in both a back three and a back four, as either a centre-back or a full-back, and who is familiar with Serie A. Ake meets the first two of those requirements.
Nathan Ake, Manchester City player
Barcelona are keen on Ake. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The Manchester City centre-back is not the only name on Milan’s shortlist. It also includes Federico Gatti of Juventus, who are not willing to sell him, Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, and Radu Dragusin of Tottenham Hotspur.
The report adds that Ake had already been on Milan’s agenda a couple of years ago, and they believe the possibility of guaranteeing him minutes in the months leading up to the World Cup could work in their favour.
The operation will not be straightforward for any club attempting to take Ake out of Manchester during this winter window. The Dutch international is under contract until June 2027 and earns a high salary.
One of the main obstacles for Barcelona is that Man City would only listen to offers in the region of €20 million and are unlikely to agree to a loan deal. In addition, other Premier League clubs are also closely monitoring Ake’s situation.
Moreover, with Joao Cancelo set to arrive, it remains to be seen if there is salary space for Barcelona to bring in another player.