Crystal Palace has reportedly made an approach to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji as the transfer window approaches its closing date. While no official bid has been submitted yet, sources have informed BBC Sport that Palace has inquired about the availability of the Swiss international.
Akanji's Situation at Manchester City
It is understood that Manchester City would demand around £15 million for Akanji, who has not featured in either of their Premier League matches this season. The 30-year-old defender joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and played a crucial role in the club's historic Treble victory the following year, including starting in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
Despite his contributions, Akanji has found himself sidelined this season, leading to speculation about his future at the club. In addition to Crystal Palace's interest, Turkish champions Galatasaray are also reportedly keen on acquiring the defender.
City's Transfer Strategy
Earlier this month, City manager Pep Guardiola indicated that the club's focus is shifting towards outgoings, having already spent over £150 million on six new players this summer. Guardiola expressed concerns about the size of the squad, stating that it is "not healthy" to have so many players and that discussions would take place with players and their agents to find suitable solutions.
The potential departure of Akanji could be part of a broader strategy to streamline the squad. Goalkeeper Ederson has also been linked with a move to Galatasaray, while Tottenham has been in talks to sign winger Savinho.
The Transfer Window Countdown
With the transfer window set to close at 19:00 BST on Monday, time is running out for Crystal Palace to finalize any potential deal for Akanji. The club is looking to strengthen its defense, and securing a player of Akanji's caliber could significantly enhance their prospects for the season ahead.
Conclusion: A Potential Boost for Crystal Palace
If Crystal Palace can successfully negotiate a deal for Manuel Akanji, it would represent a significant coup for the club. The Swiss defender's experience and quality would bolster their defensive options as they aim to improve their standing in the Premier League. As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, all eyes will be on Palace to see if they can secure this key addition to their squad.
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