During the international break, many articles emerged on reported transfer rumours regarding AFC Bournemouth and Netherlands defender Nathan Ake.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were both linked with potential £40million bids in the upcoming January transfer window.
Ake himself was quizzed about it following his appearance in his nations 3-0 victory over Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
He told the media that they were just rumours and his focus remained with the Cherries.
The Daily Telegraph then reported that Ake’s former club Chelsea hold the key to any potential move, as they hold an option on the 23-year-old following his £20million move to Dean Court.
They reported…
“Chelsea negotiated a gentleman’s agreement that would allow them to re-sign him for a fee of around £40m.”
The Telegraph added…
“There has not yet been any sign that Chelsea are ready to try to take Ake back to Stamford Bridge and any move to re-sign him would have to be agreed by the player.
The option, however, appears to keep Chelsea in the picture of Ake’s potential future and also appears to mean that any interest from any other club is keeping the reported fee down to the £40million mark.
The latest comes via The Sun newspaper, suggesting that Pep Guardiola wants to take him to Premier League champions Manchester City.
That report claims…
“Pep thinks the defender would be capable of slotting straight into the City team and has the potential to become a world-class player.
Speaking prior to the weekend fixtures and the fresh reports of Manchester City’s reported interest, AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was quoted by the Daily Echo saying…
“I think it’s a compliment to Nathan and how he’s played since he signed permanently for us, He’s been a model of consistency. He picked up all the player-of-the-year awards last season and has carried that form into this season. I’ve been really pleased with him.
“With any type of speculation that you are linked with, the clubs he’s been mentioned with, it’s a good sign. That doesn’t mean we’re about to lose him. He’s a massive part of what we’re doing…”
“…Maybe during a quiet spell of news, people will write things. From our perspective, there’s nothing in it…”
Your say…
northstandmark wrote…
He’s certainly a top 6, probably top 4 defender. It’s as simple as that. Chelsea were utter morons to let him go in the first place, whilst laughably continuing to use Gary Cahill instead. Ake is unlikely to stick around forever, but we can try making him feel as loved as possible, as see what he wants to do. When the time comes and the right offer comes in that interests him, then yep just get the best price possible and for god’s sake put some of it aside for some building.
A summer would be better from the point of view of continuity, and I’d already had next summer in mind for Ake attracting big interest. – Join the conversation, click here.
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