Battle between Milan and Tottenham for Pep's defender

AC Milan are pushing to strengthen their defence before the transfer window shuts, with Manuel Akanji emerging as their top choice for the centre-back role.

The Rossoneri’s season opener against Cremonese exposed clear weaknesses at the back, prompting the club to scour the market for reinforcements. Akanji’s name quickly surfaced, and early discussions with Manchester City are already underway.

Fabrizio Romano reported in his latest YouTube update that there are “no issues” in negotiations between the two clubs. City’s asking price stands at 15milion euros, though Milan hope to close the deal for around 15-17 milion euros.

The real sticking point, however, is Akanji’s salary, which is well above Milan’s usual wage structure. The 30-year-old is open to joining, but only if he agrees to a significant pay cut. As a reference, Christopher Nkunku—who had his Milan medical this morning—accepted a reduced salary of 5 milions per year in order to complete his switch.

Nkunku swaps London for Italian fashion capital

Should the Akanji talks stall, Milan are keeping a close eye on Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, whose proposed transfer to Porto has not yet been finalized.

With the deadline looming on Monday night, the next few hours could prove decisive for Milan’s defensive plans.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 2

Friday

18.30: (2.40) Cremonese (3.30) Sassuolo (3.00)

20.45: (5.00) Lecce (3.50) Milan (1.75)

Saturday

18.30: (2.50) Bologna (3.15) Como (3.00)

18.30: (3.60) Parma (3.45) Atalanta (2.05)

20.45: (1.35) Napoli (4.90) Cagliari (9.50)

20.45: (5.00) Pisa (3.50) Roma (1.75)

Sunday

18.30: (4.20) Genoa (3.35) Juventus (1.95)

18.30: (3.05) Torino (3.15) Fiorentina (2.45)

20.45: (1.35) Inter (4.90) Udinese (9.50)

20.45: (1.50) Lazio (4.20) Verona (6.75)

***odds are subject to change***