Nathan Ake On AC Milan’s Radar As Dutchman Looks To Enhance World Cup Chances

Nathan Ake is the latest defender to be linked with a January move to Max Allegri’s AC Milan, according to Corriere dello Sport. 

The Rossoneri head coach wants to enhance his options at the back and has turned his attention to the Manchester City utility man.

Ake has struggled to nail down a regular spot in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup. Therefore, the 30-year-old believes a move is for the best and will help enhance his chances of making the Netherlands World Cup squad.

🚨 AC Milan are monitoring the situation of Netherlands defender Nathan Aké at Manchester City as they ponder several options.

The Dutchman has been on AC Milan’s radar for two years and, with the World Cup approaching, is keen for more regular playing time — a situation… pic.twitter.com/z4Fo0klF9k

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 5, 2026

Nathan Ake Transfer News Reveals AC Milan Interest

After AC Milan signed Niclas Fullkrug on January 2, the Serie A giants are set to go back to the English Premier League in search of their next winter signing.

Ake has actually been on Milan’s wishlist since 2024. However, Pep Guardiola wanted to keep the Dutchman on board owing to his versatility in defense.

Now Ake has firmly fallen down the pecking order, the 30-year-old is considering his options. Like most players entering the final stages of their career, minutes on the pitch become imperative.

And that is something of which AC can certainly offer. The Scudetto-chasers are somewhat light at the back and Ake’s experience could prove invaluable.

Will Manchester City Let Nathan Ake Quit?

Owing to an injury crisis in defense, it remains to be seen whether Manchester City would allow Nathan Ake to leave the Etihad this month.

John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are all out. Therefore, Pep Guardiola may want to keep Ake in Manchester. Alternatively, plucking a new center-half could suit both club and player.

Although AC Milan wants Oumar Solet, he has been touted as a potential January addition for City as well. However, Guardiola will be keeping tabs on a number of other players alongside the Udinese star.

AC Milan’s Defensive January Targets

With Nathan Ake firmly in AC Milan’s cross-hairs, a number of other options are also being considered. A Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mario Gila swap-deal has been reported in recent days.

The Lazio defender could be moved on to help the club’s financial issues. Elsewhere, Oscar Mingueza, Nathaniel Brown, Souza, Luiz Felpie and former Azzurri Under 21 captain Lorenzo Pirola have also been linked.

However, Nathan Ake is perhaps the leading contender to help ease the pressure on AC’s precarious backline. It appears that if Manchester City can find a replacement, he’ll be able to leave the Etihad sooner rather than later.