Inter Milan star Manuel Akanji could start in midfield against Arsenal tomorrow night, according to reports.
Passed during pre-game meeting Inter Milan Newsthe 30-year-old confirmed that he is willing to accept a new role.
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Known for his tactical intelligence and awareness, Manuel Akanji Has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe.
despite falling out of favor Guardiola At Manchester City, the Swiss star reaffirmed his credentials at the San Siro this season.
In fact, Akanji quickly overtook Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi and Jan Bicek.
In doing so, he became the cornerstone of Inter’s backline alongside long-term Alessandro Bastoni.
Therefore, Inter Milan has decided to activate the purchase option in the loan agreement with Manchester City.
In the meantime, Akanji could take on a new role Christian Chivu Can’t count on a great playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu.
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The former Borussia Dortmund ace could therefore move to the center of the park tomorrow as an emergency solution.
Inter Milan star Manuel Akanji comments on potential midfield role against Arsenal
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 2: Manuel Akanji of FC Inter Milan during the Serie A match between FC Verona of Greece and FC Inter Milan at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
Asked if he expected to play in midfield tomorrow, Akanji replied: “No, I don’t expect to play there.
“But I can play anywhere because I try to help the team. My role is as a defender.
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“When I was at Manchester City I played two or three games as a point guard and I was able to do that.
“But I think my main role is at the heart of a back three. I will be willing to play in midfield when the coach needs me.”
At the same time, he also highlighted the most significant improvements Inter Milan have made under Chivu.
“Yes, we have certainly improved. We have improved and that is evident in past results.
“Our defense has gotten better; we’re not conceding as many goals as we used to and conceding fewer goals.
“Offensively, we found interesting ways to score as well.
“Every game has its own story, but we’ve been efficient and I hope it will be the same tomorrow.”
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He then explained his relationship with Chivu.
“Our relationship has been very good from the beginning,” Akanji added. “I spoke to him the day I signed and we’ve been in touch.
“We talk regularly, even between games; there are always details to discuss and he is always available.
“I played as a defensive midfielder in the last game so I’m happy to be here.
“I’m really grateful for the coaches’ help, the staff and my teammates.”
Additionally, he gave another vague update on his future.
“My answer before was whether Manchester City would invite me back in the winter and I said no.
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“But as to what will happen in the summer, I can’t say.
“I just know I’m happy here and I hope I can continue to be here; we’ll see what happens.”
Inter Milan centre-back Manuel Akanji praises old rivals Arsenal
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Manuel Akanji of Inter Milan holds the ball during the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league stage MD5 match between Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Akanji faced Arsenal regularly during his three-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
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That qualifies him to talk about the Gunners’ strengths.
“I believe Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe,” Akanji claimed. “Not the best, but among the top. Tomorrow will be a big challenge.
“I’m confident in us; we’re ready. No, there was never a risk that City would call me back.
“Honestly, I don’t watch much football anymore. At home, I have three kids and there’s already a lot of football in my job.
“I’m not watching at home.
“Having said that, they already have a lot of good players who can fill the gaps left by injuries, so they will definitely maintain a very consistent performance, which is important to stay competitive.”
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Asked what Inter must do to beat Arteta’s side, Akanji replied: “The first thing is efficiency, especially against strong teams; any mistakes will be punished.
“The same goes for us, so we need to be efficient and ruthless in front of goal, but also precise with the ball. It won’t be easy, but we are confident.”
Inter Milan narrowly defeated Arsenal 1-0 last season.
“It’s hard to compare to last year because I wasn’t here yet,” Akanji admitted.
“But offensively Arsenal are a very good team and score a lot, even from set pieces.
“However, in Europe there are strong attacking players everywhere. So I don’t think Arsenal are better than teams like Atletico Madrid or Liverpool.”
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“We need to stay focused.”
Finally, Akanji determined Bayern Munich A prime candidate to win trophies this season.
“In my opinion, the strongest one is Bayern. We want to win the Serie A title, which is the goal every year, and the Champions League.”
“We want to be in the top eight. Everyone knows what Inter are capable of; then we’ll see what’s left.”
