Inter attempting last minute deals for Akanji and Pavard with Man City and Marseille

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Peter Young | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 8:39 AM ET

Reports in Italy claim that Inter are attempting to pull off a last-minute deal for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, which is likely to require a sale of Benjamin Pavard, who is of interest to Olympique de Marseille.

The summer transfer window in Serie A ends today at 20:00 CET (19:00 BST). Make sure you follow all the live updates and confirmed transfers on the Football Italia LIVEBLOG.

Inter attempting Akanji and Pavard deals

According to various sources, including Alfredo Pedullà, Gianluca Di Marzio and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are looking at a last minute-deal for Man City’s Akanji, following an unsuccessful approach from rivals Milan earlier this week.

Negotiations are not expected to be easy to pull off, however. Akanji has already turned down moves to Milan and Galatasaray this summer, and it is understood that there are still other interested parties elsewhere.

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, Akanji wishes to play Champions League football this season, which is part of the reason why his move to Milan did not materialise.

The Switzerland international is currently out of favour at the Etihad, however, with Pep Guardiola having started three different centre-backs during their first three league matches of the season (John Stones, Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov), while Akanji is yet to feature.

If Inter are to pull off a deal for the 30-year-old former Borussia Dortmund defender, it will likely require a sale of Pavard first.

According to Alfredo Pedullà, Marseille are interested and could potentially offer a deal for the Frenchman.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: