The key factor holding up Nathan Ake’s return to Chelsea
A fresh insight into the ongoing efforts of Chelsea to land Nathan Ake from Premier League rivals Manchester City has been provided on Thursday.
The last couple of weeks, of course, have seen the transfer team at Stamford Bridge step up efforts to reinforce the club’s backline in a major way.
On the back of the free agent departures of both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, the Blues have been forced into a major reshuffle, with no fewer than three additions to the heart of the club’s defence now understood to be on the agenda.
Joining Kalidou Koulibaly and Presnel Kimpembe at the top of Thomas Tuchel’s wishlist, meanwhile, comes the aforementioned Ake.
Dutch international Ake, of course, spent the early years of his fledgling career developing in west London, before departing for regular game-time with AFC Bournemouth.
Now sitting behind the likes of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones in Manchester, though, Chelsea are keen to reunite with the 27-year-old ahead of the new season.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Nathan Aké looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on December 3, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
And now, as alluded to above, a fresh update on the situation has been provided.
The info comes courtesy of the reliable Nizaar Kinsella, who reiterates that an agreement, worth a fee in the region of £45 million, has been reached between the respective boards at the Etihad and Stamford Bridge.
The transfer actually being pushed over the line, though, is being held up by Pep Guardiola and co, who have made it clear that they will not allow Ake to depart until a suitable replacement has been secured.
