"He fits in with everything": Man City star emerges as Atletico target

An out-of-favour Manchester City ace is reportedly a prime target for La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, with the Rojiblancos eyeing a potential January swoop.

It seems that Atletico are after a full-back who is currently out of his team’s plans and chasing a place at the World Cup.

Presumably, targeting players desperate for game time will be easier to negotiate with during a window that is notorious for premium prices – as City found out themselves as they splurged on multiple players such as Omar Marmoush nearly 12 months ago.

Diego Simeone’s side currently trail league leaders Barcelona by nine points and will be desperate to hurl themselves into the title race after a slow start.

They are also in the top 8 in the league phase of the Champions League with two matches left, so January additions could prove crucial.

And it appears that a City star has been revealed to be on their list of defensive targets.

Speaking on transfer show El Desmarket, reporter Nacho Donado outlined that Atletico are looking for a very specific profile of defender in the winter market.

He said (via El Desmarque): “They want a left-back who doesn’t play much for his club and who wants to go to the World Cup, to play for his national team. That’s the profile they’re looking for. The list of candidates they’re considering is extensive.

“He [Ake] is one of the tough ones to sign, but he’s the one I’d bring in.

“He’s a starter for the Netherlands, but he doesn’t play much for City. He fits in with everything and his contract expires next [season].”

Ake has started just once in the league this term, with his only Champions League start coming in City’s 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.

And although he has already reached half his appearance total from last season by Christmas, the previous campaign was hampered by injury, while he has started far less often compared to 2024/25.

While not primarily a left-back, his versatility could be a bonus for Simeone – though how far up the Dutchman is on his list of targets remains to be seen.

The Netherlands’ place at the World Cup is assured, with clashes against Japan and Tunisia awaiting them in North America.

The Oranje were unbeaten in qualifying, though Ake only appeared in half of their qualifiers, so his starting place may not be as iron-clad.

Therefore, logic would suggest a starting role at the Metropolitano would appeal to the 30-year-old, but with City seeking another title, it is by no means a given that Pep Guardiola would be keen to let him go.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.