Nathan Ake on La Liga giants’ transfer wishlist of ahead of January market | OneFootball

Manchester City could be subject to transfer interest from the Spanish top-flight in one of their out-of-favour defensive options, new reports have claimed.

The Dutch international has found himself increasingly on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s preferred defensive rotation, despite previously being a trusted option during Manchester City’s most successful period.

With competition from Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in particular, as well as Abdukodir Khusanov and John Stones – when fit – minutes have become harder to secure, prompting growing speculation around Aké’s long-term role at the Etihad Stadium.

That uncertainty has been a recurring theme, with Everton briefly linked in the summer, while Crystal Palace have continued to monitor Aké as part of their contingency planning for an expected Marc Guéhi exit in 2026.

More recently, reports have suggested City would be open to offers in the €30 million to €35 million range should serious interest materialise, with the situation forming part of a wider defensive recalibration.

Now, according to the information of El Desmarque – as translated and relayed by Sport Witness – Atlético Madrid have the Manchester City and Netherlands international defender on their ‘wish list’ for the upcoming winter transfer market.

It is claimed that the 30-year-old’s contract situation – which expires in 2027 – ‘could be the key’ in negotiations as Pep Guardiola’s side may be open to discussing a sale for a player who has fallen well below the Catalan’s priority options across his defensive unit.

Journalist Nacho Donado saus Atlético Madrid are looking for a new left-back in January and Nathan Aké comes into the picture as he can operate both as a centre-back and a left-back.

“He’s one of the difficult ones to sign, but he’s the one I would bring in,” said Donado. “It’s Nathan Aké from Manchester City. He’s a starter for the Netherlands, but he doesn’t play much for City. He fits in with everything, and his contract expires next year.”

Should Atlético Madrid formalise their interest, negotiations are likely to hinge on timing rather than willingness. Pep Guardiola has traditionally been reluctant to sanction exits during January, unless a player shows a keen desire to exit his squad.

However, Manchester City’s openness to listening to offers suggests a deal would not be immediately dismissed if the valuation is met. For Aké, the appeal is clear in perhaps seeing regular playing time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.