Manchester City could delay the departure of Chelsea target Nathan Ake this summer, with the reason why being revealed.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a sensational return to Stamford Bridge, five years after departing to Bournemouth for £20 million.
The centre back is seen as a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s summer rebuild, looking to bring in at least two defenders this summer.
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With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leaving on free transfers at the end of their contract, Chelsea must look for replacements.
Matthijs De Ligt has also been targeted but the deal has hit a crossroads as Bayern Munich have expressed their interest in the 22-year-old Juventus star.
Tuchel is said to want to bring in a defender, alongside signing Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, by the end of the week as the Blues prepare to jet off on their pre-season tour of the USA.
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However, this looks unlikely as Man City could delay any sale of Ake and leave the Blues heading into their tour without a new defensive signing.
As reported by Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, there could be an issue holding up the deal.
He reports that City’s desire to bring in a replacement before allowing Ake to leave could hold up a deal.
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Pep Guardiola’s side currently only have Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Ake as senior central defensive options.
Therefore, an incoming would most likely have to be agreed upon before they allow the Dutch international to depart.
Furthermore, the Citizens would demand upwards of the £41 million that they paid to sign Ake from Bournemouth.
It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea will be willing to pay this much for a player that they let leave for half of this back in 2017.
The deal for Sterling could be done by the end of the week, however, as Chelsea remain in talks over the England international.
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The Blues have learned of the 27-year-old’s contract demands this summer as they prepare to bring him to Stamford Bridge as part of a new-look Chelsea attack.
He is expected to sign a four-year contract and could potentially become the first signing of the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital era at the club.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been linked from the Etihad, but it remains unclear as to whether Chelsea will submit a bid.
Tuchel will be keen to kick-start the transfer window as he looks to challenge at the top of the Premier League.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Nathan Ake, Transfers, Football, Raheem Sterling, Manchester City, Premier League