Manchester City defender Nathan Ake will stay at the club this transfer window, reports The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
This is despite heavy interest from Chelsea, who were keen to bring their former player back to Stamford Bridge following his departure in 2017.
City have been selling more players than usual this summer and would have been open to selling Ake too, however the terms of the deal were not right for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Nathan Ake to Stay at Manchester City
🚨 Nathan Ake staying at Manchester City. Chelsea showed a strong interest but #MCFC would only sell if valuation met. That hasn’t happened & mutual decision taken for 27yo Dutch defender to remain & play key part in Pep Guardiola plans @TheAthleticUK #CFC https://t.co/Ehz9VbBNpg
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 15, 2022
Chelsea’s Defensive Overhaul
The signing of Ake for Chelsea would have been another in a big defensive overhaul this summer.
They are reportedly close to the signings of Presnel Kimpembe from Paris Saint-Germain and Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
In terms of outgoings, though, Cesar Azpilicueta is being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona and could leave for as little as £7 million.
Youngster Levi Colwill, who enjoyed an excellent breakout season on loan at Huddersfield Town in 2021/22, was also being linked with a move due to the incoming signings.
However, due to Ake staying put, he could now get a chance to come into the side and impress – just as Trevoh Chalobah did last season.
Ake Won’t Make Same Move as Sterling
Chelsea have already completed the signing of one Manchester City player this summer, having confirmed the long-awaited arrival of Raheem Sterling.
He won’t be joined by his former teammate though, with City happy to keep Ake at the Etihad.
Manchester City internal decision: Oleksandr Zinchenko can leave the club, Arsenal are prepared to submit an official proposal. 🚨🇺🇦 #AFC
Nathan Aké stays at the club after talk with Guardiola despite personal terms agreed with Chelsea. #MCFC
Chelsea, still working on Kimpembé. pic.twitter.com/Hk6nGOyyAF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2022
Since his arrival from Bournemouth in 2020, Ake has been a squad player, making only 24 appearances across two seasons in the Premier League.
The potential for more regular minutes at Chelsea would likely have intrigued the Dutchman, but with City steadfast in their aim to win the Champions League and seemingly having the Premier League title nailed down every year currently, if Ake wants to add trophies to his collection then he’s in the right place.
