Chelsea have reached an agreement over personal terms with Nathan Ake, as Manchester City seek around £45 million for the defender.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have agreed on personal terms with Nathan Ake, with a move to Stamford Bridge now seemingly close. The Blues have yet to submit an official proposal to Manchester City, who seek around £45 million for the defender and remain open to a sale.
Chelsea are involved in talks over several high-profile deals as new owner Todd Boehly remains eager to stamp his authority in this window. The Blues are yet to make a signing but are inching closer to bringing big-name stars to Stamford Bridge.
After agreeing on a fee with Manchester City for Raheem Sterling, Chelsea have sorted out personal terms with the England international. The Blues want to follow up on that move with another raid on the Premier League champions for Nathan Ake.
Chelsea have been in talks for Ake since they enquired about Sterling and got a positive response from Manchester City over the two players. The former Bournemouth star spent considerable time at Stamford Bridge from 2011 until 2017, before Bournemouth paid £20 million to sign him permanently.
Chelsea have full agreement with Nathan Aké on personal terms. Man City are aware of the situation on the player side, but still waiting to receive the official bid. ? #CFC
City want around £40/45m for Aké and plan is to replace him with a new centre back in case he leaves. pic.twitter.com/Pyu8jwYf6o
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 8, 2022
Manchester City paid around £40 million to sign him from Bournemouth in 2020, and he has been utilised as a backup for most of his time at the Etihad. He has been a useful outlet for Pep Guardiola in the two seasons at the club, but one the Premier League champions are willing to dispense off with.
Chelsea need new central defenders, particularly on the left side. The departure of Antonio Rudiger has left a huge void for Thomas Tuchel as the club continue to look for solutions in the window.
They are linked with Jules Jounde and Matthijs de Ligt as high-profile options. Since Chelsea lost Andreas Christensen and might part ways with Cesar Azpilicueta as well, there is a need for more than just one central defender.
And Ake could be poised to return to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the Manchester City star, although they are yet to make a formal bid for the centre-back.
Manchester City seek around £40-45 million for Ake. The demand is very similar to what they are receiving for Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, as the Premier League champions hope bring in significant funds from those transfers to balance the books after spending on Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips. Chelsea could be willing to pay the price and strengthen their defence for the upcoming season.
