Chelsea are in advanced talks to re-sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake this summer, football.london understands. It is understood that the Blues had prepared a bid of £30million for the Netherlands international, while his club held a valuation of £50million at the start of discussions.
The move would see the 27-year-old return to Stamford Bridge five years after he left for Bournemouth on a permanent deal for around £20million. Three years later Ake made the switch to the Etihad for £40million, with his left-footed prowess at the back becoming particularly useful to Pep Guardiola.
However, in the previous campaign, the defender only managed 1,649 minutes across all competitions. That works out at roughly 18 full matches, showing his deployment as a squad player rather than a first team star.
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That may not be the case if he does play under Thomas Tuchel next season, however. The German coach is looking to rebuild his squad under the guidance of new owner Todd Boehly.
The forward line has been addressed, as football.london understands that personal terms and a fee have been agreed for Raheem Sterling from Manchester City. However, there is still a gap at the back after the loss of duo Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger.
Ake could fill that void, comfortably playing on the left of a back four or three, as well as at left-back or even in midfield. It could also put together the perfect reunion story, with the defender telling the Evening Standard back in 2017 on his departure: “At the end of the season I just felt that the time had come.
“Chelsea were disappointed and wanted to keep me, but they understood as well. They didn’t want to stop me from fulfilling my dreams.”
However, those dreams could very well be fulfilled back at Stamford Bridge in the coming seasons.
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