AFC Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake, 25, is on the receiving end of interest from Pep Guardiola, who is looking to strengthen his Manchester City side ahead of a Premier League title challenge next season. The Guardian’s Ewan Murray reports that City are closing in on a £35 million deal for the Dutchman.
The former Chelsea defender is facing relegation with Bournemouth this season, however, may find himself challenging for silverware on all fronts come next season.
His reputation during the relegation battle has avoided taking a hit.
Manchester City Set Their Sights on Nathan Ake
Defensive Rebuild
Manchester City have been short of options in the defensive department since the departure of captain Vincent Kompany last summer. This has occasionally led to the likes of Fernandinho and Rodri being deployed in the position.
They’d been linked with a move for Harry Maguire last summer, though he joined local rivals Manchester United.
More recently, Napoli‘s Kalidou Koulibaly has been the name at the forefront of reports.
Ake has emerged as the latest target. Pep Guardiola is looking to rebuild the defence in the approaching transfer window and he may start with the acquisition of the Dutch defender.
First Move
After a successful loan spell on the South Coast, Ake joined Bournemouth for £20 million in 2017, a then-club record transfer fee.
Ake is contracted to his current club until 2022, however, there is an acceptance that they may be about to lose their prized asset.
Ake has long been linked with a move away from Bournemouth. A return to his former club Chelsea has been an option, as has a move to Manchester United.
Sky Sports report that Ake is being monitored by a number of clubs, though it appears Manchester City have made the first move. The report claims discussions are at an early stage.
However, the Guardian’s report suggests an agreement on a £35 million deal is close.
Where He Will Fit In
Ake has made well over 100 appearances for Bournemouth and been capped by the Netherlands 13 times.
The Dutchman is suited to Manchester City’s demands for their defenders to be good on the ball.
He will represent a more assured option at the back for Guardiola.
Ake’s arrival may free up room for an exit at the back. The Guardian predict speculation surrounding John Stones‘ departure will intensify, with Arsenal on alert.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’9fTcXR40SjZogpi-9djNEA’,sig:’wCSpY0WSilqhtxWhamq9IbkOC5Mu2B44rdwbZ0JLrsY=’,w:’594px’,h:’395px’,items:’1163937261′,caption: true ,tld:’co.uk’,is360: false })});
