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Manchester City fans might want to brace themselves – Nathan Ake’s future at the Etihad is suddenly looking a lot less certain.
According to the latest reports, two Italian heavyweights, AC Milan and Inter Milan, are gearing up for a potential summer battle to sign the versatile Dutch defender.
This Nathan Ake transfer news comes at a time when the 31-year-old has found regular starts hard to come by under Pep Guardiola, despite his reliability whenever he does play.
Nathan Ake’s Current Situation at Manchester City
Ake remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027, but his long-term future is now very much up for debate.
He’s been a solid squad player for years – known for his defensive smarts, composure on the ball, and ability to slot in at centre-back or left-back.
This season, though, he’s made around 25 appearances across all competitions but started only about half of them.
The intense competition in City’s backline, plus the tactical demands of Guardiola’s system, has limited his game time.
When he does feature, he rarely lets anyone down, especially in games that need control and positional discipline.
For a player of his experience and quality, that lack of consistent minutes is bound to spark questions about what’s next.
Why AC Milan and Inter Milan Want Nathan Ake
Sources in the agent world have told CaughtOffside that both Milan clubs are seriously eyeing Ake ahead of the 2026/27 season.
AC Milan see him as the experienced defender they need to make an instant impact – someone who brings Premier League and Champions League know-how to a backline looking for stability.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, love his versatility. Being able to cover multiple spots in defence gives them tactical flexibility as they chase trophies at home and in Europe.
It’s easy to see the appeal: Ake’s not just a body in the squad; he’s proven he can handle big games and adapt to different setups. He would also help provide cover if Alessandro Bastoni was to leave the club.
Nathan Ake Transfer Battle: Could This Be a Real Move?
This isn’t the first time Ake’s name has popped up in transfer chatter – there were links earlier this year too – but the interest from two direct rivals like AC Milan and Inter adds a fresh twist. A
potential Milan derby-style tug-of-war for his signature would be intriguing.
Manchester City aren’t thought to be desperate to sell, but with only one year left on his deal after this summer, they might listen to the right offer rather than risk losing him for free in 2027.
No fees have been mentioned yet, but given his profile, any deal would likely involve a decent chunk of change.
What This Means for Nathan Ake and Manchester City
For Ake, a move to Serie A could mean the regular football he needs – especially with the Netherlands national team in mind (Ronald Koeman has hinted in the past that more minutes help his World Cup/Euros chances).
For City, losing a versatile, low-maintenance defender like him wouldn’t be catastrophic given their depth, but it would still be a shame to see a long-serving player head elsewhere.
This Nathan Ake transfer story is definitely one to watch as the summer window approaches.
