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MANUEL AKANJI DROPS HINT ABOUT FUTURE: INTER MILAN REMAINS TOP DESIRE

Manuel Akanji hopes to make his Inter loan permanent, stating he "would love to stay." The defender has settled in quickly, becoming a key part of their defence and helping them top the Serie A table.

Manuel Akanji Drops Hint About Future: Inter Milan Remains Top Desire
Akanji Confirms Interest in Staying at Inter Forever - Photo Credit: Getty Images

According to Manuel Akanji, he has adapted to life at Inter rather well and intends to stay after this season.

The Swiss centre-back joined the Nerazzurri in the summer while on loan from Manchester City, and he has since established himself as a vital member of Cristian Chivu's defence.

He agreed to a loan with a buyout option that may become mandatory under specific circumstances, but this will not be necessary because the Nerazzurri are intent on signing him long-term regardless.

Using remarks from CalcioMercato, Akanji told Blick from Switzerland's training camp prior to their World Cup qualifying matches against Sweden and Kosovo:

"I feel fantastic. Organising things for the kids was the most difficult aspect of settling in, but we are now at ease. Although Italian football differs slightly from English football, I have adjusted rather well, and playing frequently helps. We are at the top of the standings, and we want to stay there. And the team gave me a warm welcome.

A permanent stay appears quite likely because Akanji's loan is slated to expire in June 2026 and includes a €15 million buyout obligation once specific requirements are fulfilled.

"I planned a farewell meal when I left Manchester City, and it was extremely great," he continued. Although I have not had a chance to bid farewell to every employee yet, I am not sure what will transpire come summertime. Right now, I would really like to remain at Inter.

MATCH REPORT: CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU AND PULISIC SECURE TOP SPOT FOR MILAN IN 3-0 VICTORY

Christopher Nkunku scores twice in five minutes to end his league drought and fire AC Milan to the top of the Serie A table.

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Christopher Nkunku Bags Brace in Five-Minute Blitz

Nkunku had been in something of a slump, not scoring in the league since February. But he turned things around, winning and then converting a penalty two minutes into the second half to put Milan up by two.

Just five minutes later, he was there to knock in another, giving the home team a lead over Inter Milan.

Before now, the 28-year-old had only scored once for Milan—that was against Lecce in the Italian Cup back in September, after his move from Chelsea for around 37 million euros ($43.6 million) last August.

Milan's coach, Massimiliano Allegri, said, He's a sensitive guy, and he really wants to do well here. I think he can get even better, just like we all need to.

We're going to need everyone to pitch in because we've got a crazy month ahead of us.

Inter could take back the top spot later today when they go to Bergamo to play Atalanta. Atalanta's been doing a lot better since Raffaele Palladino took over last month.

Christian Pulisic kicked things off for Milan with a goal right before halftime. He's been on fire, scoring his eighth goal in 11 Serie A games.

Since joining Milan in 2023, Pulisic has been involved in 50 goals in Serie A, even though he missed about a month due to injury.

He finally broke through Verona's defense, poking in Adrien Rabiot's header from a corner in the first minute of stoppage time.

This helped Milan win against a lower-ranked team, something Allegri's players have struggled with lately, even though they haven't lost in Serie A since the start of the season.

Nkunku sealed the deal and made a statement to be Milan's main guy up front. Santiago Gimenez is out until February, and Niclas Fullkrug is expected to join from West Ham next month.

Verona, despite winning their last two games against Atalanta and Fiorentina, are still in the relegation zone, two points behind Genoa, who are just outside the bottom three and play Roma on Monday.

Also today, champions Napoli will try to get within a point of Milan when they play Cremonese, and Bologna hosts Sassuolo.

TRANSFER ALERT: SCOTT MCTOMINAY LINKED WITH SHOCK PREMIER LEAGUE RETURN THIS JANUARY WINDOW

From Serie A champion to January's biggest target, explore why Scott McTominay might trade Naples for the Premier League in 2026.

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McTominay Weighs Up England Return

Word is Scott McTominay might come back to the Premier League, but not necessarily to Manchester United. After leaving Old Trafford in 2024, the Scottish midfielder really turned things around, scoring 12 goals and winning the Serie A title in his first season.

At 29, he's been key for both his club and country, often scoring late goals to win games. But The Sun says things are a bit tense this season since Napoli are only in third place. Someone close to the situation said Scott likes some things about Italy and had a great first season.

But the fans' enthusiasm can be good and bad. He's seen as a star there, so doing normal stuff when he's not training can be hard. All the attention can be a lot.

So, there's talk about McTominay maybe going to teams like Barcelona, Tottenham, and Newcastle.

He apparently wants to play in England again and might even think about going back to United if things work out.

But McTominay's recent words don't sound too encouraging for a United return. He's said he loves Italy and his current club.

Talking to Sky Sports Italia in October, the former United player said, I'm really happy in Naples.

He also told the BBC this summer, The people in Naples are amazing. They're so into it, and everywhere you go, people say 'Forza Napoli' and want to talk to you, and that motivates you every time you play because they care.

It's different, a whole new way of life—how you eat, how you live, all that. It makes you tougher mentally. I've always lived close to my mom, so I could visit whenever I wanted.

Now I live far away, so I can't just go home and see my mom, my family, my sister, and my kids. It's different, but sometimes you have to step out of what's easy, and I've always liked doing that. I never want to be too comfortable, and if I can go somewhere and do well, why not? Who's stopping me?

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