Chelsea’s discussions regarding a move for Manchester City’s Nathan Ake are said to be more advanced than those for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.
The Blues are in the market for central defender reinforcements this summer after both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departed.
The German, Rudiger, was announced as a Real Madrid player, while Christensen was unveiled as a Barcelona player in recent days.
Advert
Chelsea have targeted several replacements, with the likes of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Inter’s Milan Skriniar.
However, the two most recent names to be linked have been that of Ake and De Ligt.
De Ligt is the number one target for Thomas Tuchel, overtaking Kounde as the priority.
Advert
He is also seen as key, along with Man City's Ake, to the new-look Chelsea defence as Tuchel plans his summer rebuild.
Pep Guardiola’s side have informed Chelsea that they must bid over £50 million for a deal for Ake to be considered this summer.
While a deal for De Ligt has been made more complicated after Bayern Munich have shown interest in the 22-year-old.
It has now been revealed by The Evening Standard that discussions regarding Ake are thought to be more advanced than that of De Ligt.
Chelsea have been in contact with Manchester City for weeks regarding a deal for Raheem Sterling, with Ake’s name also being discussed.
Advert
Previous reports suggested that a move for the Dutchman had been progressing as he could make his return to Chelsea after leaving in 2017.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has also been considered, with Tuchel believed to be interested in a triple swoop at the Etihad, but Ake and Sterling appear to be far more advanced.
The report continues to state that the ‘main issue’ with a deal for Ake is City’s desire to sign a replacement before agreeing to sell the 27-year-old.
Advert
It remains to be seen whether the Blues will get Ake in before they head off on their pre-season tour of the United States this summer but Tuchel is keen to have a defender and Sterling signed before Saturday.
Chelsea may have to step up their pursuit for De Ligt in the meantime due to Bayern’s interest, with the Blues prepared to offer him a five-year contract to join this summer.
As things stand, Chelsea will enter pre-season with Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Cesar Azpilicueta, Levi Colwill, Malang Sarr, Ethan Ampadu and Dujon Sterling as potential central defensive options.
Therefore, Tuchel will be hoping for a busy end to the week as Chelsea search for options in the transfer market.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Matthijs De Ligt, Nathan Ake, Manchester City, Juventus, Football, Transfers, Premier League
Nick Emms