Manchester City Nathan Ake defender is reportedly keen on a return to Chelsea this summer.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are closing in on a move for their former defender Nathan Ake. The Manchester City centre-back is keen on a return to Stamford Bridge with talks progressing ‘well’ between the two clubs.
Nathan Ake first moved to England with Chelsea in 2011 and progressed through the youth ranks to make a first-team debut for them in the 2012/13 season. However, he failed to cement a starting spot with the Blues and was sent on multiple loans before joining Bournemouth permanently in the 2017 summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international was highly impressive for Bournemouth during his three-season stint with the club. Manchester City moved for him in 2020 and sealed his signature in a £40 million move. However, Ake has struggled to string a consistent run of appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men, making just 40 appearances for them across two seasons.
With no improvement in sight as far as the game-time is concerned, Ake is keen on a return to Chelsea. At the Etihad, the 27-year-old is fourth in the pecking order behind Ruben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, but he could be among the first-choice defender with the Blues.
Manchester City reportedly want £40 million for the Dutch defender, and Chelsea, desperate to strengthen in the centre-back department, are not expected to be bogged down by City’s demands. Chelsea’s London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, are also monitoring the Dutchman’s situation.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer, and adding reinforcement in the central defensive department is their priority. Ake, given his proven pedigree in the Premier League, has the potential to be a solid addition. And, the Netherlands international himself is keen on a return to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are also in talks with the Premier League champions over another deal. The Blues are also closing in on a move for Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling. The England international has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad while Chelsea are offering him a starring role under Thomas Tuchel. The former Liverpool ace is also believed to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.
