Chelsea aer pushing to complete the signing of Manchester City defender Nathan Ake by the end of the week, according to reports.
The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to Stamford Bridge after departing the club back in 2017.
With both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing during the summer, and Cesar Azpilicueta’s future in doubt, the Blues are in the market for central defenders.
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It appears that Thomas Tuchel will land his first defensive signing of the window, with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly ready to join Chelsea.
The defender has reportedly accepted a four-year contract worth £8 million-a-season, as he prepares to become a Blue.
However, the interest in central defenders does not stop there for Chelsea and Tuchel, who are keen to add at least one more to their ranks this summer.
Ake has been the most highly reported target, with it believed that Chelsea have a full agreement over personal terms this summer.
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Manchester City were said to be awaiting an official bid, having made it clear to the Blues that they require upwards of £40 million to sell the 27-year-old.
This comes after fee was agreed earlier this month in a deal worth an initial £47.5 million for City winger Raheem Sterling.
It now looks like Chelsea will look to reunite Ake with his former team, and Sterling, by the end of the week.
As reported by Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Chelsea are ‘pushing hard’ to complete the signing within the next week.
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Discussions are said to be stepping up over the transfer, with the Dutchman expected to cost around £45 million.
The talks are progressing regarding the fee and structure of a deal as Tuchel appears to be getting closer to landing the defenders for his squad rebuild this summer.
Ake is seen as a key part of Tuchel’s summer rebuild, with the German previously showing interest in the left-footed player during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
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Chelsea are currently in Los Angeles undergoing their pre-season training camp but hope to have their new defenders with the squad before they face Club America on Sunday.
The Blues will then face Charlotte FC and Arsenal before returning to Europe for a friendly against Udinese in Italy.
Currently, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ethan Ampadu, Malang Sarr, Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah are among the senior central defender options for the fixtures ahead.
But with the pursuit of Koulibaly and Ake stepping up, Chelsea could have their new men in sooner rather than later.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Nathan Ake, Manchester City, Football, Transfers, Premier League