Manuel Akanji could be leaving Manchester City before the transfer deadline on Monday.
The Switzerland international was left out of the squad as Manchester City suffered a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham on Saturday and was an unused substitute at Wolves, with many options on the table.
Galatasaray want to sign Akanji as the Turkish giants also pursue Ederson and Ilkay Gundogan.
Akanji is also admired by AC Milan – while Crystal Palace have been credited with an interest in the Swiss defender as Marc Guehi could leave this week.
However, Crystal Palace have now proved they are ready to walk away and look elsewhere with time of the essence, as an approach is made to sign Mohammed Salisu from Monaco.
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Crystal Palace make Mohammed Salisu move as they wait for Manuel Akanji
Ed Aarons of the Guardian now claims that the Eagles have approached Monaco to ask about taking the Ghana international on loan, adding that Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race for Manuel Akanji.
The respected journalist wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Understand that Crystal Palace have approached Monaco about a loan deal for Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu. Palace also in for Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji but waiting for a decision from the Switzerland defender, who also has interest from Galatasaray and Bayer Leverkusen.”
Bayer Leverkusen have already signed Claudio Echeverri on loan from Manchester City, so there seems to be a healthy relationship with the German side.
Salisu – who Monaco signed from Southampton for £17m back in July 2023 – is also a target for Olympiakos.
When Manuel Akanji is expected to make a decision
Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan might not have to wait much longer until the 30-year-old makes a decision.
Reliable Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu claimed on Tuesday morning that Akanji is expected to make a decision on whether to join Galatasaray within 48 hours – which means it could come today (Thursday 28th August).
Should the Manchester City No.25 accept the contract proposal, it would obviously mean Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan will have to look elsewhere.
The approach for Salisu could well suggest Crystal Palace are not too confident Akanji will choose them anyway.