Chelsea reportedly expected to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake at the same time as Raheem Sterling, but they ended up losing that particular transfer pursuit.
According to The Athletic, the Blues felt like last month they would be signing 27-year-old centre-back Ake.
However, Man City eventually took decisive action to keep the Holland international.
Apparently, Chelsea planned to confirm deals for both him and Sterling simultaneously, but they only got a deal for the latter over the line.
Sterling completed his move to Stamford Bridge in mid-July to strengthen Thomas Tuchel’s squad. The 27-year-old’s got big pressure on him from the fanbase to provide the extra spark in attack.
Meanwhile, left-footed centre-half Ake is still a Man City player that started in last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Liverpool.
Chelsea expected to sign Ake
Ake was reportedly in talks with the Blues over personal terms, which would have sealed a return to the Bridge five years after leaving West London.
However, the £40million defender goes into the new season as a part of the Man City squad.
Despite missing out on former player Ake, it’s clear Tuchel’s side are still in the market to bring in another defender before the summer window shuts.
It’s been reported that Chelsea could make a second offer for Leicester City centre-back Wesley Fofana after an initial offer of £63million was turned down. Aged 21, Fofana would be another defensive option for the back three with such a high ceiling when it comes to potential.
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