Throughout the vast majority of the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have focused the majority of their attention on new additions within the forward line.
Mohammed Kudus has been the biggest addition in such a department, costing a whopping £55m from Premier League rivals West Ham United back in July.
However, he looks set to be joined by Xavi Simons, after the Lilywhites agreed a €60m (£52m) transfer fee with RB Leipzig for the Dutchman’s signature.
The player has travelled to North London to undergo his medical with Thomas Frank’s men, looking set to complete his own transfer before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Despite the pending big-money addition, other areas are now being targeted for reinforcements, with the new boss evidently wanting further depth in the defensive third.
Spurs’ hunt for added defensive reinforcements
Over the last few hours, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Spurs have explored a deal to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji before the window slams shut.
The Swiss international is said to be free to leave Pep Guardiola’s side before Monday night, leading to a £15m transfer fee being mooted for the 30-year-old’s signature.
However, attention is also being directed the way of Akanji’s teammate Nathan Ake, that’s according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update on the Lilywhites’ transfer activity.
They claim that Frank’s side have held talks with the Citizens over a move for the 30-year-old, who’s spent the last five years under Guardiola’s guidance at the Etihad.
The report also states that the player himself held face-to-face talks with Spurs representatives last week, after the impressive 2-0 victory in Manchester last weekend.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Akanji
The rumours over potential deals to land new defensive reinforcements have certainly come out of the blue – leading to an exciting final few days of the window for the Spurs faithful.
Akanji has been a key member of the City squad over the last couple of seasons, registering 85 appearances in the top-flight – subsequently winning two titles in the last three years.
However, like the Lilywhites, the Citizens have undergone somewhat of an overhaul during the summer to help Guardiola mount a charge for top spot after missing out to Liverpool in 2024/25.
It appears as though Akanji could be sold, whether that be to Spurs or Galatasaray, but Frank’s men would be much better off pursuing a move for his teammate, Ake.
Given his previous spells at Chelsea and Watford, he’s a more established Premier League defender, offering needed versatility that can see him operate at the centre or left side of the backline.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent campaign, the Dutchman has managed to massively outperform Akanji, undoubtedly offering more of a presence should he move to North London.
Ake, who’s been labelled “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, completed more of the passes he attempted, offering Frank’s side an added ball-playing presence at the back.
Games played
10
26
Minutes played
678
2014
Pass accuracy
94%
93%
Tackles won
0.9
0.5
Tackle success rate
67%
64%
Blocks made
0.9
0.4
Clearances made
2.9
2.8
Aerials won
1.7
1.3
Aerial success rate
57%
54%
Out of possession, the Dutchman has also dominated Akanji, winning more of the tackles he entered, whilst also making more blocks – handing the side the added defensive quality to help build on their impressive start in 2025/26.
He has also thrived in the air, winning more of the aerial battles he entered, an asset that could make him a threat at both ends of the pitch in North London.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Ake would set the Lilywhites hierarchy back this summer, but his experience in England’s top-flight could prove to be a valuable asset to Frank’s side.
It also remains to be seen if the player himself is keen on a move to join the Lilywhites, but any move before Monday’s deadline would be a superb signing and one that would hand the side added quality in the defensive department.