Milan, not only Nkunku: two Premier defenders in the crosshairs
The Rossoneri market is not only focused on attack. After the unsuccessful attempt to set up a negotiation with Bayern Munich for South Korean Kim, Milan has turned sharply to England in search of a new defensive leader. Two profiles are being followed with particular attention: Manuel Akanji of Manchester City and Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal. Paths that are far from simple, but on which the Rossoneri management has begun to move concretely in the last few hours.
The Swiss defender seemed to be one step away from Galatasaray, ready to invest more than 15 million euros. Quick agreement with City, but not with the player, who after reflection rejected the Turkish proposal. Hence the inclusion of other clubs – including an English team, a German team and, indeed, Milan. Akanji has given an opening in principle for a move to Milan, although details have not yet been discussed with his entourage.
The center-back, 30, is under contract until 2027 with a salary of more than 5 million annually. For the Rossoneri, the idea would be to spread the salary over several seasons, proposing a deal until at least 2028 at around 4 million a year. However, the final decision is up to the player and his father Abimbola, his longtime adviser.
Younger (25 years old) and less established than Akanji, but with clear room for growth, is Jakub Kiwior instead. The Pole, who has already known Serie A with the Spezia shirt, was followed by Milan back in June, when Arsenal was asking 30 million. Today the valuation has dropped to 26, a figure that Porto has already put on the table by receiving the Gunners’ okay.
The transfer, however, has not yet taken off because Arsenal must first close for the replacement, Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié. Into this waiting space comes AC Milan again, which has reconnected with the Londoners. Kiwior has a lighter salary than Akanji — about 3 million a season — and this could balance the higher investment on the player’s name tag.
In Via Aldo Rossi, therefore, an open ballot remains: rely on the experience and solidity of Akanji, winner of everything with Guardiola, or bet on the freshness and perspective of Kiwior. According to rumors, Massimiliano Allegri would have no doubts: for him, the Swiss would be the first choice.
