Wednesday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Alexis Sanchez, Nathan Ake, Kalidou Koulibaly

The buildup to the summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Manchester City eye possible reinforcements.

The 2018-19 champions did not bring in a single player during the January transfer window, despite suffering a defensive shortage for much of the campaign so far.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Wednesday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester United, Chelsea to rival Manchester City for Nathan Ake?

© Reuters

Manchester United and Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester City in the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake.

The Netherlands international is rumoured to have already entered talks with recently-dethroned Premier League champions City over a £35m transfer.

According to The Sun, however, Ake is in no rush to complete a switch to the Etihad Stadium as he is expecting other offers to be tabled.

Chelsea retain a buy-back option on the 25-year-old after selling him to Bournemouth in 2017 and Frank Lampard is on the lookout for a new defender.

United are also searching for a player to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of their defence next season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer known to be a fan of the Dutchman.

Bournemouth appear certain to cash in on Ake either way this summer, with the Cherries on the brink of being relegated from the Premier League.

Manchester City 'make opening bid for Kalidou Koulibaly'

© Reuters

Manchester City have reportedly tabled an opening offer for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

Having starred in the heart of the Napoli defence in recent years, Koulibaly has been persistently linked with a move away from the Italian outfit as of late.

Man City are rumoured to be keeping a close eye on the Senegal international's situation heading into the summer, although the Citizens have reportedly opened talks with Bournemouth for Nathan Ake as Pep Guardiola looks to bolster his backline.

Nevertheless, Corriere dello Mezzogiorno reports that City are keen to get a deal for Koulibaly over the line and have presented an opening bid to Napoli for the defender.

However, despite the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, Gennaro Gattuso's side are supposedly still holding out for a figure between €70-80m (£63.3m-£72.3m) for Koulibaly, with the report claiming that City's bid is too low for the Coppa Italia winners.

Koulibaly, who has turned out 21 times in the Italian top flight this season, still has three years left to run on his current deal with Napoli.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Manchester City, Bournemouth 'in talks over Nathan Ake deal'
Manchester City and Bournemouth hold talks over a proposed summer transfer for Nathan Ake, according to a report. Read more.

Manchester City make contact with Manchester United over Alexis Sanchez deal?
A report claims that Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez could be on his way to Manchester City in a shock end-of-season move. Read more.