Story bySwiss Man City Owned Defender Ahead Of Inter Milan Vs Arsenal Clash: “Can Play In Midfield If Needed”SempreInter. comMon, January 19, 2026 at 2:50 PM UTC·5 min readInter Milan star Manuel Akanji could reportedly start in midfield in tomorrow night’s clash against Arsenal. During the pre-match conference via FCInterNews, the 30-year-old confirmed he would be open to taking a new role. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKnown for his tactical intelligence and awareness, Manuel Akanji has established himself as one of Europe’s best defenders. Despite falling out of favor with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, the Swiss star has reaffirmed his credentials at San Siro this season. Indeed, Akanji has quickly leapfrogged Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Yann Bisseck in the pecking order. In doing so, he has become a cornerstone of Inter’s defense alongside long-serving stalwart Alessandro Bastoni. Therefore, Inter have already decided to activate a purchase option in their loan agreement with Man City. Meanwhile, Akanji could take a new role as Cristian Chivu cannot count on standout playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs such, the former Borussia Dortmund ace could switch to the middle of the park as an emergency solution tomorrow. Inter Milan Star Manuel Akanji Comments on Potential Midfield Role vs ArsenalVERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/)Asked if he expects to play in midfield tomorrow, Akanji replied: “No, I don’t expect to play there.“But I can play anywhere because I give my best to help the team. My role is defender. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“When I was at City, I played two or three times as the ball-playing defender, and I can do that too.“But I think my main role is central in a back three.