AC Milan monitoring “incredible” Manchester City star ahead of potential January swoop

Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nico O'Reilly, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake. (Reuters/Craig Brough)

Manchester City were forced to settle for a frustrating point on Sunday, drawing 1–1 with a Chelsea side still adjusting to life after Enzo Maresca.

Despite dominating large spells, Pep Guardiola’s men failed to put the game to bed and were punished late on when Enzo Fernández struck an injury-time equaliser.

Even so, City remain firmly in the title picture, sitting second and well within touching distance of the summit.

With the January transfer window approaching, attention is turning not only to potential reinforcements, but also to players who could be moved on as Guardiola fine-tunes his squad for the second half of the season.

One such figure is now attracting interest from Italy.

AC Milan are keeping close tabs on Manchester City defender Nathan Aké ahead of a possible January approach.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Serie A giants are exploring options to strengthen their back line mid-season and have identified Aké as a potential target. The 30-year-old’s versatility — capable of playing centrally or at left-back — makes him an attractive option as Milan assess experienced solutions.

Aké is not a new name on Milan’s radar. The Rossoneri previously considered a move for the Dutch international two years ago and have continued to track his situation, even as they weigh up alternative defensive profiles.

Once described as “incredible” by Guardiola, Aké was a key component of City’s treble-winning squad, but his role has diminished this season amid fierce competition and rotation at the Etihad. While he has still amassed over 150 appearances for the club, regular starts have become harder to come by.

With limited minutes and several clubs monitoring his availability, a January decision could be on the horizon. Milan’s interest suggests Aké may have no shortage of options should City decide the time is right to cash in during the winter window.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.