Chelsea are reportedly in advanced discussions with Manchester City over defender Nathan Ake.
Chelsea and Manchester City are in the “advanced stages of discussion” for a possible Nathan Ake move to Stamford Bridge. The Times has reported that the talks with Ake over a move to Chelsea have “accelerated” in the past few days.
The exit of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen means that Chelsea are looking for defensive reinforcements. Nathan Ake is a brilliant prospect for this reinforcement. Several reports have also reported that the 27-year-old is open to joining the Blues this summer. Personal terms have been agreed with the player but no official bid has been made by Chelsea for the player.
Ake has made 40 appearances across all formats for Manchester City. He has contributed four goals this season. However, he has started just 14 times for the Citizens in the Premier League. He remains firmly below Ruben Dias and Cancelo in the City defense order. Ake is moving out to get more playing time and hopefully qualify for the Qatar-bound Dutch national team.
Ake’s second spell at Stamford Bridge
Ake joined the Chelsea youth team from Feyenoord at the age of 15. Ake made his first-team debut in 2012 against Norwich City. He was loaned out several times in his career at Chelsea. He has had loan spells at Watford, Bournemouth, and Reading. Nathan Ake signed for Manchester City in 2015 on a five-year deal for a fee of £41 million.
Ake is a versatile player. He can play as a center-back as well as a left-back. He has good passing abilities and can read the game very well. During his time at West London, his calmness on the ball led to several comparisons with the former Dutch legend Ruud Gullit.
Chelsea are also looking at several more defenders to help them consolidate the back line. Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde are on the list of defenders wanted by the Blues. The Matthijs de Ligt deal looks a bit complicated at the moment as Juventus want £75m for the player. Chelsea were pursuing Kounde’s signature with vigor last season. However, Sevilla suddenly raised the asking price and priced him out of a move to Chelsea.
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