Pep Guardiola provides fresh update on Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji pursuit

Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City’s attempted signing of Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji is in the works, but not yet done. 

Manchester City wrapped up their fourth win from five Premier League matches Wednesday evening with a 6-0 thumping of newly promoted Nottingham Forest. 

A first half hat-trick from Erling Haaland put the Blues into cruise control, and they did not look back from there. 

Fellow newcomer Julian Alvarez also opened his Premier League account with two fantastic goals on the night, highlighting the fantastic business the Etihad hierarchy completed in the summer window. 

Julian Alvarez vs Nottingham Forest:

2 Goals
38 Touches
23 Accurate Passes
13 Final Third Passes
92% Pass Accuracy
100% Dribbles Completed
3 Shots On Target
3 Accurate Long Balls
2 Key Passes
2 Ground Duels Won pic.twitter.com/Tjiw2xK9uq

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 31, 2022

However, they appear to be not yet done in the market as the rumour that the Premier League Champions were closing in on Borussia Dortmund centre-back Manuel Akanji broke in the last 48 hours - taking many by surprise. 

The 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the German club, helping City potentially close the deal on the cheap - with most reports pointing to an initial £15 million fee. 

Akanji has made over 100 appearances for Dortmund, since signing from Basel in 2018.

Speaking to The Manchester Evening News’ Joe Bray after the match, City boss Pep Guardiola delivered an update on the situation. 

"Still not done, we are going to try." Guardiola said on the pending deal.

He continued by saying “I don't think so... but nobody knows," when asked if the club will look at other players in the closing hours of the transfer window. 

Guardiola’s words left much up to interpretation, but with the surprise Akanji story in recent days, anything remains possible for the club on deadline day. 

While City’s incoming signings have primarily been younger players this season, 27-year-old Akanji could be seen as more of a depth signing for the Blues as they enter a jam-packed fixture pile up in the coming months. 

With injuries to both Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte, the Swiss international could be set to be put straight into the matchday squad upon arriving at the Etihad. 

Aymeric Laporte is not expected back for #ManCity until the end of September or early October.

[via @TheAthleticUK]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 31, 2022

City will look to continue their fantastic start to the season this weekend with a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, as they face off with Steven Gerrard’s side for the first time since the thrilling final day encounter in May.

Ilkay Gundogan came off the bench to score twice against Villa at the end of last season, as City dramatically came back from 2-0 down to retain the Premier League title with a 3-2 win.