Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing defender Manuel Akanji, but the club faces serious competition in their bid to bring him to North London.
According to Fabrizio Romano, while Spurs are still in contact to sign the player, AC Milan have submitted a €15 million offer to sign the Switzerland international from Manchester City.
Spurs have allowed young defender Luka Vuskovic to leave on loan to Hamburg, where he will continue his development.
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank needs another experienced head to provide competition for Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, and Kevin Danso, with Radu Dragusin still sidelined.
Tottenham have turned to Akanji, who is reportedly surplus to requirements, but AC Milan are threatening to hijack the deal, while Galatasaray were apparently in the picture.
Lauded as ‘intelligent’ by Man City manager Pep Guardiola, Akanji has been a terrific addition for the Cityzens, but he is now down the pecking order.
Spurs must now fend off the challenge to sign the versatile defender, who earns £180,000 per week.
For all his pedigree and Guardiola’s past praise, Tottenham would be wise to think twice before committing.
Akanji’s recent seasons have been marked by injuries and a notable decline in consistency, which should raise concerns for a club seeking to build a durable, long-term backline.
Spurs cannot afford to invest in another defender whose reliability is in doubt, especially when the club already has injury concerns at centre-half.
At 30, Akanji is not on an upward trajectory. Instead, his profile suggests a player edging toward decline rather than resurgence.
Paying a significant fee and wages for someone whose peak may already be behind him would be a gamble that runs counter to the club’s recent recruitment strategy.
Spurs should focus their resources on a younger, more progressive defender who can grow into the project and ensure defensive stability for seasons to come.