AC Milan have entered the race to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji as the Serie A club look to strengthen their backline before the transfer window closes.
The Swiss international is among players Manchester City are open to selling, with Pep Guardiola keen to reduce the size of his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Akanji, 30, is one of several senior players whose futures remain unresolved, alongside Ilkay Gundogan and goalkeeper Ederson.
Galatasaray had already reached an agreement with City over a £15 million deal for the centre-back, but negotiations stalled after the player rejected the Turkish champions’ contract proposal.
Reports claim Akanji was unwilling to accept their offer without an increase in wages, leaving the door open for other clubs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Milan have now made contact with City to explore the conditions of a possible transfer.
The Rossoneri are yet to submit a formal bid but have sounded out the defender’s camp and City officials to gauge feasibility.
Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace have also shown interest, but Milan represent the most high-profile option at this stage.
The Serie A side’s need for defensive reinforcements became apparent after a disappointing opening defeat to Cremonese, where vulnerabilities at the back were exposed.
While much of their summer recruitment has focused on attacking signings, bolstering the defence is now seen as a priority.
Akanji would provide experience and stability to a unit that currently leans heavily on young players such as Koni De Winter.
For City, the move would fit Guardiola’s plan to streamline his squad, ensuring only players central to his plans remain for the season.
Galatasaray remain in contention and continue to push their case, with the lure of Champions League football and a lucrative wage package.
The Turkish side can also offer a clearer pathway to regular playing time, something Akanji struggled to secure consistently in Manchester.
Milan, however, can provide the prestige of Serie A and a role in a team aiming to reassert itself at the top of Italian football.
With only days left in the window, Milan must decide whether to move quickly or risk losing the defender to another suitor.
The coming week will determine whether Akanji becomes a new arrival at San Siro or heads elsewhere to continue his career.