£15m star ‘tempted’ by Tottenham after ‘talks’ as Daniel Levy ready to fulfil his wage demands

The final days of the summer transfer window are always a whirlwind of activity, and for Tottenham Hotspur, the excitement is building as they work to strengthen the squad before the deadline.

The club has already secured the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, a move that signals their ambition to compete at the highest level.

However, the work is far from over, and attention has now turned to the defensive side of the team, with Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji emerging as a serious target.

According to reliable sources, Tottenham have entered into talks to sign the Swiss international defender, who is available for a surprisingly affordable fee of around £15 million.

This represents excellent value for a player of Akanji’s experience and quality. During his time at Manchester City, he has won multiple Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League, bringing a winning mentality that would be invaluable to any squad.

What makes this potential deal even more interesting is the player’s own stance. It is understood that Akanji is genuinely tempted by the prospect of joining Tottenham.

While he has enjoyed his time at City and remains a respected member of the squad, the opportunity for a new challenge in London is appealing.

The project under manager Thomas Frank, combined with the club’s clear ambition, has caught his attention.

However, Tottenham are not without competition. AC Milan have also expressed strong interest in signing Akanji, and their sporting director has even spoken publicly about their desire to bring him to Serie A.

Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the chance to play at the San Siro is always attractive. But the Italian giants face a significant obstacle: Akanji’s current wages, which are reported to be around £180,000 per week.

This is a substantial financial commitment for a club operating within a strict budget.

This is where Tottenham hold a significant advantage. Chairman Daniel Levy is prepared to meet the player’s wage demands, something that Milan would struggle to do.

This financial flexibility, combined with the chance to continue playing in the Premier League, could be the deciding factor in convincing Akanji to choose North London over Italy.

From Tottenham’s perspective, signing a player of Akanji’s caliber would be a smart piece of business.

He is a versatile defender who can play both as a center-back and as a full-back, providing cover and competition across the backline.

His experience at the highest level would be invaluable to a relatively young squad, especially with the added demands of European football this season.

As the deadline draws closer, the coming days will be crucial. Tottenham will need to move quickly to finalize the deal before Milan can find a way to structure an offer that works for them.

For the fans, it’s another reason to feel optimistic about the direction the club is heading. After securing Simons, adding Akanji would be another statement of intent proof that Tottenham are serious about building a squad capable of challenging on all fronts. The waiting game continues, but the signs are promising.