Exit-linked Premier League star rejects Serie A giants; Can Tottenham take advantage?

The constant injury concerns about Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven also makes signing a new defender an instant priority. Bringing in a player that would provide good cover and fight for a place in the starting eleven might just be what Spurs need to take the next step and build on the Europa League success.

Tottenham are in the race to sign Man City defender Manuel Akanji

Well, Tottenham have made some serious moves in the transfer market by addressing most of the issues on the pitch. However, there is still some business that needs to be done before the transfer market shuts shop in a few days’ time. The Lilywhites are still looking to add a new defender to their ranks to bolster the quality of the defence.

Spurs, along with AC Milan, have expressed an interest in Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji. The 30-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola after failing to start for the Cityzens in the first two games of the Premier League. And it is believed that the Manchester-based club will sell the defender for a fee of around £15m this summer.

However, there is a new update in the transfer saga involving the highly-rated defender. As per Fabrizio Romano (via X), Manuel Akanji has made it clear that he does not intend to join AC Milan in the coming days. The Swiss international wants to play Champions League football this season, giving Tottenham an edge over some of the other clubs that are in the race to sign him.

With time running out in the window, the Lilywhites must do everything they can to land Akanji. The prolific centre-back has shown time and again that he can play on the biggest stages and deliver consistently. Not only that, but his experience and calmness at the back may just be what Spurs need. His technical ability is second to none, giving Thomas Frank an extra option to play at the back.