Transfer News: AC Milan interested in Nathan Ake

AC Milan are reportedly interested in Nathan Ake, with the Rossoneri evaluating many options to solve the central defensive issues at the club.

According to Milan News, Serie A giants AC Milan are keen on signing Manchester City defender Nathan Ake in the ongoing transfer window. The Rossoneri have problems to solve at the heart of their defence, with the club evaluating multiple options with different possibilities before making a decision.

AC Milan began the season superbly and maintained their overall levels to challenge for the Serie A title. They remain within touching distance of local rivals and table toppers Inter Milan, although injuries to key defenders threaten to derail their season in the second half of the campaign.

Star centre-back Simon Kjaer being ruled out for the rest of the season is the kind of news dreaded by Milan boss Stefano Pioli. The AC Milan manager has since urged the club to utilise the transfer window and sign a viable replacement using the multiple mediums available.

Milan are either looking to invest heavily in a defender who can be a long-term option or get someone to solve the issues temporarily through a loan deal. Considering all possibilities, the Rossoneri want to bring a quality cover for Kjaer in this window.

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Manchester United’s Eric Bailly is touted as a possible option, although Manchester United might be reluctant to let the centre-back leave just yet. Moreover, Bailly has battled injury issues that have prompted the Red Devils to use him sparingly even when he is considered fit and available.

The Serie A giants are also considering signing Japhet Tanganga on loan, but Tottenham would like to have a permanent transfer sanctioned to the tune of €25 million. With the Englishman not a proven entity, Milan might be reluctant to pay up such a high price. They might still be open to a loan deal with an option to buy him in the summer.

Other names such as PSG’s Abdou Diallo and Arsenal’s Pablo Mari have been floated around, and they could become an option if Milan cannot sign their primary targets. One of the latest targets is Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, with the Dutchman a possible opportunity that could come at a high price.

Signed for a sizeable two years ago, the Dutchman has not exactly affected Pep Guardiola’s trust in first-choice defenders like Ruben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte. Despite some brilliant performances at Bournemouth, Ake remains down the pecking order at the Etihad.

As is Manchester City’s nature, they are always open to let their players leave if the price is right, and if Milan can come up with a reasonable offer, a deal could be struck. There is also significant interest from Premier League clubs, like West Ham United in the Manchester City defender, who is keen to play every week to earn a place in the Dutch squad at the World Cup.

It remains to be seen if Milan can put together a reasonable financial package in terms of fees and salary to offer to Manchester City and convince the Premier League champions to sell Ake. If they cannot, then the Rossoneri might have to evaluate a possible dry loan for some other target,