Tottenham are reportedly plotting a £40 million bid to land former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake, who is currently plying his trade for Bournemouth.
Mauricio Pochettino is set to delve into the transfer market in the summer to reinforce the Tottenham squad. One of the names that have propped up is Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, according to The Sun. Spurs are reportedly considering a £40 million bid for the former Chelsea star.
The report names Chelsea and Manchester United as other clubs interested in Nathan Ake. But, a return to Chelsea is not being considered, with the Blues currently set to serve a transfer ban for the upcoming windows if their appeal to CAS does not bear fruit. The Sun further add that Bournemouth are braced for Spurs’ bid, with the Tottenham manager looking to replace Toby Alderweireld, who is tipped to leave the club in the summer.
Nathan Ake has blossomed into an enviable prospect since leaving Chelsea. The Dutch youngster joined Bournemouth initially on a season-long loan. But, the Cherries did not waste any time in bringing him in on a permanent basis for £20 million after Ake impressed in his loan spell.
The 2018-19 season was not an ideal one for Bournemouth, especially their defence, with the Cherries leaking a total of 70 goals in the Premier League. Despite such a dire statistic, Nathan Ake impressed in his defensive duties while also lending his hand in attack, with 4 goals to his name. His presence and ability has drawn interest from Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Chelsea would love to bring Ake back. But, the transfer ban is likely to force their hand. While Manchester United need an ideal centre-back partner for Victor Lindelof, the Red Devils seem to be prioritising a move for Kalidou Koulibaly and Harry Maguire.
Tottenham though, will be keen to add Ake to their squad. For years, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld had been the ideal Premier League centre-back partnership at the back. But, the 2018-19 season has seen Davinson Sanchez make inroads while Juan Foyth has also been given ample first-team chances.
Pochettino loves a 3-man defensive setup, which could see Nathan Ake be a regular at Tottenham, despite Sanchez and Vertonghen being shoe-ins to start.
Not as tall as Alderweireld, Ake is more of a modern-day defender. The former Chelsea star is robust and has a decent presence in air as well. But, it is his ability on the ball, vision and long-range ability that makes him a dangerous prospect for the opposition.
Bournemouth have earlier been reported to be looking for £40 million for Ake and it will be interesting to see whether they will accept the same offer from Tottenham, considering the prospect of a potential auction, if Chelsea and Manchester United come in for the Dutch international.
