As soon as AFC Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake hobbled off against Leicester City with a leg injury, the Dean Court faithful feared and probably accepted, that it was probably the final time they would see the Netherlands international pull on a Cherries shirt.
With just three games remaining of the seemingly ill-fated “project restart” campaign for AFC Bournemouth, there just didn’t look like there would be enough time for Ake to recover to feature for Eddie Howe’s side again. As it turns out, his injury isn’t as bad as first feared and he could be in contention for an appearance in the final game of the season away to Everton on Sunday 26th July.
BREAKING:
Manchester City have expressed an interest in signing #afcb defender Nathan Ake.
Talks have been held but are at an early stage.
There are a number of clubs monitoring the situation.
Latest on @SkySportsNews !
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) July 20, 2020
The very next day the transfer window opens in England and Manchester City, who have reportedly been long-term admirers of Ake have made sure they are at the front of the queue in regards to making their interest known about the central defender.
Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam, known for his close links to AFC Bournemouth reported that Manchester City have “expressed an interest”, confirming that “talks have been held but are at an early stage”, he concluded, “a number of clubs are monitoring the situation”.
Back in October 2019, the reported fee was in the region of £80million, almost one year on, 12 months less on his contract and AFC Bournemouth looking likely to drop into the Championship, the prospective fee has dramatically decreased according to The Guardian.
The national daily newspaper has claimed that “Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal to sign Nathan Aké from Bournemouth” with the report going on to add “it is believed Aké will become a key recruit for a fee in the region of £35m”.
Considering Ake’s contract at Dean Court isn’t set to expire until 2022 and other clubs have been heavily interested in Ake in the past, the transfer fee quoted appeared to be eyebrow-raising low.
Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, he was being heavily linked with a summer move back to Chelsea. Whilst Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City have all been linked with an interest in Ake over the past year.
Where will Ake be next season?
AFCB
Man City
Man Utd
Chelsea
Your say…
Smithy wrote…
Maguire £80 million and only £35 million for Ake is a joke. I know a relegated club and Covid 19 are factors but I would still expect £50 million. Regardless, Ake will go with my best wishes and thanks. The best player we have ever had and a great attitude. – Join the conversation, click here.
