AC Milan are exploring a deal for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, but the Serie A giants currently have a big issue blocking them from making an official move.
The future of the centre-back at the Etihad Stadium is up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window closing on Monday, as the Swiss star has yet to feature for Man City this season, having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Tottenham match.
This has given interested clubs the confidence to pursue a move for the 30-year-old, with AC Milan joining the race for Akanji this week, who can leave Manchester for just £15m.
A move to the San Siro will be appealing to the Switzerland international; however, Milan have a big issue that is stopping them from bidding for the Man City defender.
Manuel Akanji warming up ahead of Manchester City v Feyenoord Rotterdam.
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
AC Milan need to sell players before signing Manuel Akanji
AC Milan spoke to Man City on Thursday to see what is needed to sign Akanji before the summer transfer window shuts, with the talks believed to have been positive, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The move now depends on the player, as Akanji has made it clear to other clubs that he wants his salary demands met.
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AC Milan spoke to Man City today about deal conditions with positive club to club talks.
Deal depends on the player’s decision and terms.
Milan are also informed on Jakub Kiwior situation while FC Porto are ahead. 🐉🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/MOg6nT3EXH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2025
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The Athletic has backed this up with the report stating that AC Milan are indeed exploring a move for Akanji after the Italian giants sold Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United earlier in the window.
The Serie A outfit have replaced the German with Koni De Winter from Genoa; however, they are still pursuing further defensive reinforcements between now and the end of the window, with Akanji emerging as a top target.
Man City are seeking a permanent deal for the Swiss defender, but Milan cannot commit to this yet, as they have to sell players first before they submit an official bid for the centre-back.
This is not an ideal situation for the Italian club to be in because the other clubs in the race now have an advantage.
The other clubs in the race for Manuel Akanji
Throughout the summer transfer window, the strongest pursuer of Akanji has been Galatasaray, with the Turkish club already having a deal in place with Man City valued at £15m; however, the Super Lig champions have yet to receive the green light from the player.
Akanji is currently weighing up his options as Galatasaray and Milan are not the only clubs interested in the centre-back, with the Daily Mail also reporting interest from Crystal Palace and one other English club.
If the Swiss star decides he wants to remain in the Premier League, this would be a problem for the other clubs, as there is a natural spot at Palace for the Man City star if Marc Guehi leaves Selhurst Park.
The coming days will reveal where Akanji ends up, and the defender will be very happy he has options, as his career in Manchester looks to be coming to an end.