Chelsea are reportedly enjoying positive talks with Premier League rivals Manchester City over a potential deal for Nathan Ake, as well as his teammate Raheem Sterling.
According to well-respected journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Chelsea’s discussions to sign £100,000-a-week centre-back Ake are “progressing well”.
He adds that it’s the same situation with regards to Sterling’s potential transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Both Ake and Sterling are strongly linked in this window with a move to the Blues, something that Romano suggests is perhaps edging closer based off ongoing discussions with Man City.
It’s been reported Chelsea have been lining up a bid for Ake, who may demand a price tag of at least £50million. The 27-year-old defender left Stamford Bridge for Bournemouth back in 2017, but the Blues are enjoying positive talks about bringing him back.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s side are linked with another raid on Man City by signing their 27-year-old winger Sterling. He’s reportedly someone that Blues co-owner Todd Boehly thinks can be the real statement addition in this window.
Chelsea talks for Nathan Ake
This latest update suggests Chelsea are moving towards bringing in a new defender, something that they desperately need.
Ake, described as “absolutely brilliant” a couple of years ago by his ex-manager Eddie Howe, knows what it’s like to play at Stamford Bridge.
He flirted with the first team during his first spell with the club, but his big success in English football so far has been with Bournemouth and Man City.
The left-footed centre-back looks a natural fit to fill the void left by Antonio Rudiger in the Chelsea XI.
However, some may be a little concerned that Ake hasn’t been able to shake off the tag of a squad player in the Man City ranks. Yes, he’s extremely dependable, and has looked the part when he’s played in the last two seasons at the Etihad Stadium. However, Chelsea need a new centre-half to become an ever-present rock in the line-up.
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