Despite the new links to Nathan Ake, it seems a move to AC Milan may be rather difficult for the Dutch defender this month.
The links to Ake are fairly recent, and it always seemed like it would be one for later in January. However, it could be a non-starter at this moment in time, due to the reliance which Pep Guardiola has on him.
Ake stays… for now
As Voetbal International, a Dutch outlet, writes, Guardiola is ‘counting on Ake’, due to the injuries which his team is facing in defence. In fact, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are all currently sidelined, so he will be needed.
Yet the Dutch defender returned to the bench for the weekend’s win against Wolves. Marc Guehi’s arrival might bridge a gap, but it seems Guardiola is heavily reluctant to allow him to leave this month.
What could change things is Ake’s will. Ronald Koeman has stated that he must play more to feature at the World Cup this summer, and it seems that the 30-year-old may have to seek a move for this reason.
Of course, this feeds into the later aspect of a January move, so we will have to see where things end up.