**It seems that AC Milan and Inter may replay a battle from last summer’s mercato, when the two clubs battle to sign another defender in a few months.**
The Milanese clubs having similar targets is not really a shock. After all, they both have aspirations for the title and European successes, and with their budgets being somewhat limited, the same names will appear on their shortlists.
So, it is not too much of a surprise that they will again face off in the summer.
Part Two?
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In the summer window, both Milan and Inter made attempts to sign Manuel Akanji, who was free to leave the Citizens, with his game time dwindling. Despite positive signs from a Rossoneri perspective, a lack of Champions League football, partnered with a lower salary, pushed him to the other side of the city, and [**he signed for the Nerazzurri**](https://sempremilan.com/akanji-inter-rejected-milan-move?_gl=1*16riftf*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTU4MzUyMDY2OC4xNzczNzY1MzA1*_ga_8965HM125J*czE3NzM3NjUzMDUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzM3NjUzMDUkajYwJGwwJGgw).
Now, [CaughtOffside](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/03/16/sources-european-giants-target-man-city-star/) reports that his former teammate Nathan Ake may be the centre-piece this summer, with both clubs holding an interest in the Dutchman.
The perspective from the Diavolo is simple: they want readily available experienced options who can make an impact straight away, and given Ake has played a lot of football this season, he would fit the bill.
For the Nerazzurri, the liking stems from his fantastic versatility, rather than the possibility of adding experience to an already well-versed backline.