Manuel Akanji could become a decisive piece in Inter Milan pursuit of Joao Cancelo in January, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Swiss defender has made an immediate and overwhelming impact since arriving from Manchester City.
Advertisement
Available to Cristian Chivu from the third league match onwards, Akanji has played 14 Serie A games, always starting and always completing the full 90 minutes.
The numbers underline his importance. Trust came instantly, and the response has been total reliability.
Akanji Grows In Role As Cancelo Move Could Enable Greater Importance
Akanji has quickly taken control of Inter’s defensive line, becoming the reference point in front of Yann Sommer.
That growing authority now links directly to the January market.
Inter are pushing to unlock a deal for João Cancelo, and according to the report, the Nerazzurri may need to make room by offering either Francesco Acerbi or Stefan de Vrij as part of the wider negotiations.
Advertisement
If one of the two veterans leaves, Akanji’s role becomes even clearer. He would be the undisputed central pillar of the back three.
The remaining hierarchy would fall into place naturally.
Bisseck and Darmian as options on the right, Carlos Augusto as the alternative to Bastoni on the left, and Akanji as the fixed reference point in the middle.
In short, Akanji is not just performing at elite level.
His presence could actively enable Inter’s top January objective.
Stability at the back gives the club freedom elsewhere.
And in this case, it may be the key that finally opens the Cancelo door.