Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a £40 million move for former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake, who is viewed as an alternative to Harry Maguire.
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester City have turned their attention away from Harry Maguire and towards Nathan Ake. The Premier League champions are viewing the former Chelsea defender as a cheaper, £40 million alternative to Harry Maguire, who is set to join Manchester United in this summer’s transfer window.
Nathan Ake has transformed his career since first joining Bournemouth on-loan from Chelsea in the summer of 2016. In just over half-a-season that he spent at Dean Court, the Dutchman was a mainstay in defence, making an impression with his defensive astuteness while also chipping in with crucial goals.
Following a return to Chelsea in the following January, Ake did not last long at Stamford Bridge and sealed a return to Bournemouth, this time on a permanent basis. Since then, the 24-year-old has been an ever-present in the Premier League for the Cherries while also becoming a regular for his national side. And, his exploits seem to have caught the eye of Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are in serious need of central defensive reinforcements following the departure of Vincent Kompany this summer. The long-serving captain’s exit means Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi as the only centre-backs at his disposal.
With Otamendi on the wrong side of 30 and Stones still not managing to become a mainstay at the heart of the Manchester City defence, a centre-back is understandably on the agenda for the club. To that end, Harry Maguire had been identified as the ideal target to fill Kompany’s boots at the Etihad, with earlier reports suggesting that City were the favourites in his pursuit.
But, as per recent reports, Manchester United have edged ahead in the race to sign Maguire, having also reportedly submitted an offer for the Englishman. As a result, Manchester City are having to identify alternatives to Maguire, with former Chelsea defender Ake emerging as a target.
Ake, like Maguire, would boost City’s count of homegrown players. But, what makes him an even more appealing prospect for the Citizens is the fact that he could perhaps be moulded to fit Guardiola’s system perfectly, seeing as his peak years are still way ahead of him.
Add to it the fact that Ake can also operate as a left-back equally adeptly, means that the Dutchman is quite the viable target for Manchester City. Finally, the Chelsea academy graduate is also a more economical option than Maguire at £40 million, which would only add to the allure.
For now, it looks like Nathan Ake has appeared on the radar of Manchester City and we could well see the former Chelsea defender turn out for the Premier League champions if they press ahead with an offer.
