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Blow for Tottenham as PL winning ace chooses Inter Milan on deadline day

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 4:42 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur-linked Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is heading to Italy to join Inter Milan

Tottenham Hotspur could make a surprise or two additions on the summer transfer deadline day.

There are still a few gaping holes in Thomas Frank’s squad, which was exposed by Bournemouth on Saturday as they beat Spurs 1-0 and ended their winning start to the new season. The Cherries were a constant threat and caused several problems for the home side’s defence. They tested goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario a fair few times, although Evanilson’s first-half goal eventually remained the difference between the sides at full time.

After acquiring the services of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last week, the Lilywhites have shifted their focus towards reinforcing their defensive unit. This has been evidenced by their recent pursuit of Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji. In fact, as per reports, Spurs had opened negotiations with Manchester City for the 30-year-old over a possible deal for around £15 million. However, there has been a late development with regards to the Swiss’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City defender chooses Inter Milan over Tottenham

According to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Inter Milan have agreed a loan deal with Man City for Manuel Akanji. They will pay a €2m loan fee and cover part of his salary, with €15m buy option clause inserted. The buy clause becomes an obligation if the centre-back plays at least 50% of games and Inter Milan win the Scudetto this season.

The transfer marks a dramatic conclusion to the Switzerland international’s summer saga, which saw him reject a move to Inter’s city rivals, AC Milan, just a few days ago, along with being linked to Tottenham. Akanji’s desire to play Champions League football could be the key factor, and he has now secured that wish by joining Cristian Chivu’s side. The deal represents a major deadline-day acquisition for the Nerazzurri, but a blow for Spurs.

⚫️ Manuel Akanji from Man City to Inter deal details.

◉ €2m loan fee and part of salary coverage.
◉ €15m buy option clause.
◉ Buy clause becomes mandatory if Akanji plays at least 50% of games and if Inter win the Serie A this season. pic.twitter.com/Xm7qVdXLM8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025

The north Londoners still need strengthen in depth at the back. Radu Dragusin is still sidelined due to an ACL injury, while Luka Vuskovic has joined newly-promoted Bundesliga club HSV Hamburger on a season-long loan. Summer signing Kota Takai has also been out since sustaining an injury in training in July, meaning Kevin Danso is the only natural option available to Frank if there is an injury to either Cristian Romero or Micky Van de Ven.

Thus, signing a new central defender has become very important, and Akanji fitted the bill perfectly. An experienced, strong and robust defender, the 30-year-old could’ve served as quality cover for Romero and Van de Ven, whilst bringing in winning mentality to Frank’s squad. But, the ex-Borussia Dortmund man is now heading to Italy, as the Lilywhites’ sad story of missing out on targets this summer continues.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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