Milan to Attempt Summer Move for Manchester City’s Nathan Aké
MILAN – AC Milan is reportedly preparing to renew its pursuit of Manchester City defender Nathan Aké, identifying the Dutch international as a key target to bolster their backline this summer. Although a move last year proved financially out of reach, shifting circumstances and proactive groundwork by Milan’s sporting director suggest a deal is now more attainable.
The renewed interest comes as Milan seeks to strengthen its defensive options, prioritizing a player with both experience at the highest level and tactical versatility. Ake, who currently plays for one of the top teams in the English Premier League, fits that profile. However, Milan’s financial constraints mean they are primarily focused on low-cost or loan arrangements.
Previous Pursuit and Changing Dynamics
According to reports from last summer, Milan initially explored a move for Aké, but were unable to meet the financial demands of both Manchester City and the player himself. The club simply lacked the necessary budget to convince either party. However, the landscape has changed, potentially opening a window of opportunity for the Italian side.
A key factor is Aké’s current contract situation at the Etihad Stadium, which runs through 2027. As his contract nears its final year, Milan believes they may have increased leverage in negotiations. This timing could allow them to secure a more favorable deal than was previously possible.
Tare’s Relationship a Potential Advantage
Crucially, Milan’s sporting director, Igli Tare, has cultivated a strong relationship with Aké’s representatives at the Wasserman agency. This connection, which has reportedly strengthened recently, is seen as a significant advantage in facilitating a potential agreement. A strong rapport with a player’s agency can often smooth negotiations and provide valuable insights into a player’s desires.
This diplomatic bridge is considered vital, potentially unlocking a deal that was previously considered unattainable. As the summer transfer window approaches, Tare’s connections and Aké’s contractual situation have positioned Milan to once again compete for the versatile defender’s signature.
Aké’s Career to Date
Nathan Aké, born February 18, 1995, in The Hague, Netherlands, is a product of the Feyenoord and Chelsea youth academies. He currently plays as a centre-back or left-back for both Manchester City and the Netherlands national team. He has been a key part of Manchester City’s success in recent years, though consistent playing time has been a challenge.
Aké’s career has included loan spells at Reading, Watford, and Bournemouth before securing a permanent move to the latter in 2017. He joined Manchester City in 2020 and has since made 103 appearances for the club, scoring six goals as of February 28, 2026, according to official records. He has also represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, culminating in 57 senior caps and five goals as of November 17, 2025.
Playing Time Concerns and International Ambitions
Recent reports suggest Aké is seeking more consistent playing time to solidify his place in the Netherlands national team. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has reportedly spoken with Aké, emphasizing the importance of regular minutes to remain in contention for international selection. Aké himself acknowledged the need for more playing time in a recent interview, stating, “Every player wants to play as much as possible, and the only thing I can do is keep fighting for a place.”
Aké’s limited playing time at Manchester City – he recently played only nine minutes against Chelsea and suffered a minor knee sprain – has fueled speculation about a potential move. Physical issues have unfortunately plagued his career at times, impacting his consistency. He is also reportedly attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, Bournemouth (where he previously played), West Ham, and Fulham.
What Which means for Milan
For Milan, securing Aké would represent a significant coup. The team is looking to solidify its defense, and Aké’s versatility – capable of playing both centre-back and left-back – would be a valuable asset. His experience playing at the highest level of the Premier League would also bring a level of quality and leadership to the Milan backline.
However, the financial realities remain a significant hurdle. Milan’s preference for a low-cost or loan deal means they will need to navigate negotiations carefully with Manchester City. The club’s current defensive options – Tomori, Gabbia, and Pavlovic, along with De Winter – are considered capable, meaning Milan won’t overspend on a new signing.
Next Steps
As the summer transfer window approaches, expect increased speculation surrounding Aké’s future. Milan will likely continue to explore the possibility of a deal, leveraging Tare’s relationship with Wasserman and monitoring Aké’s playing time at Manchester City. The situation will likely develop into clearer in the coming weeks as clubs begin to finalize their summer transfer plans.
Milan’s next Serie A match is against Hellas Verona on March 16th. Any potential move for Aké will likely unfold after the conclusion of the current season. Fans can follow official updates from both Manchester City and AC Milan for the latest developments.
