Manuel Akanji picks Inter! Man City defender agrees Serie A switch after snubbing AC Milan with Benjamin Pavard heading to Marseille

Inter have reached a full agreement with City to sign defender Manuel Akanji, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Swiss international has agreed to the move and is now set to travel to Italy to undergo a medical and finalise the deal before the transfer window closes. This came after the English club and Inter entered into late negotiations for the defender as part of a potential three-way deal that could also see Benjamin Pavard join Marseille, according to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport. The focus of the discussions revolves around a dual loan arrangement to finalise the intricate transfer before the transfer deadline.

The transfer marks a dramatic conclusion to Akanji's summer saga, which saw him reject a move to Inter's city rivals, AC Milan, just days ago, along with a link with Tottenham. His desire to play Champions League football was the key factor, and he has now secured that wish with the Nerazzurri. The deal represents a major deadline-day acquisition for Inter, who moved quickly to bolster their defensive options. For the deal to happen, Inter are trying to facilitate Pavard's long-rumoured move to Marseille, creating a vacancy in their defence for Akanji to fill. According to Foot Mercato, Pavard has already given the green light for the move.

The agreement between the clubs has been structured as an initial loan with a buy option. Inter will pay City a €2 million loan fee for the season. The deal includes a €15 million (£13m/$17m) purchase option, which will only become mandatory if certain difficult-to-achieve conditions are met, making it a financially astute piece of business for the Serie A side.

Akanji's immediate priority is to complete his medical and sign the contract before the transfer deadline. Once officially an Inter player, he will join Christian Chivu's squad, providing valuable experience and versatility across the backline for their domestic and Champions League campaigns. His arrival may also pave the way for Pavard's potential departure. Inter recently lost 2-1 to Udinese, and they will look to be back to winning ways against Juventus after the international break.