Man City star linked with move to Premier League rivals

Crystal Palace have reportedly made an ambitious move for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji as it braces for the possible departure of Marc Guehi before the close of the transfer window.

Reports in England indicate Palace has tabled a bid worth around £15M ($20.2M), including bonuses, for the Swiss international. 

Akanji has slipped down the pecking order at the Etihad in recent weeks, unused against Wolves and left out entirely for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur for “tactical reasons.” 

While Galatasaray has also held exploratory talks, Palace is understood to be the most serious contender for his signature.

Palace’s pursuit is directly linked to Guehi’s uncertain future. The England international has entered the final year of his contract and has been heavily courted by Liverpool. 

With his value likely to decline beyond this summer, Palace is prepared to sell if a suitable offer arrives before Deadline Day on Sept. 1. Securing Akanji would provide Oliver Glasner’s side with an experienced replacement capable of stepping straight into the back line.

Akanji joined City from Borussia Dortmund for £15M ($20.2M) in 2022 and quickly became a trusted option for Pep Guardiola, helping the club win multiple domestic titles and the Champions League. 

However, the depth of competition at center-back, with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol all competing for minutes, has made his role increasingly uncertain heading into the new campaign.

Despite outside interest, Akanji is believed to prefer staying at City for at least another season and has reportedly long resisted approaches from Galatasaray.

Even so, the club may consider a sale if it receives a strong offer and can identify a replacement. There is even speculation Guardiola’s side could target Guehi, potentially sparking a transfer domino effect between the two clubs.

For Palace, the approach for Akanji shows its determination to remain competitive should Guehi depart. For City, it highlights lingering questions about Guardiola’s defensive balance with the window closing in. Even more so following the 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham this past weekend.

What is certain is that Akanji has emerged as one of the late-window storylines to watch as the Sept. 1 deadline fast approaches.