Chelsea Agree Deal In Principle With Manchester City To Sign Nathan Ake

Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle with Manchester City for the signing of Nathan Ake this summer, according to a new report.

Stamford Bridge officials have already secured the signing of one player from the Etihad Stadium.

Raheem Sterling completed a £47.5 million move from the Premier League champions earlier this week, joining up with his new teammates in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

However, the focus from Chelsea has now very quickly turned to strengthening in the defensive department.

Despite the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, in a deal which is close to completion, their interest in Manchester City's Nathan Ake has remained strong.

According to a new report, that deal for the Dutch international is now only being held up by one factor.

According to Nizaar Kinselle of the Evening Standard, Chelsea have now 'agreed a deal in principle' to sign Nathan Ake.

That deal concerns a transfer fee in the region of £45 million, but total completion of a move is now being held up by Manchester City.

It is highlighted that Chelsea are in fact waiting for City to sign a replacement for Nathan Ake, before Etihad officials give the 27-year-old the green light to leave.

For Manchester City, their options when it comes to replacements for Nathan Ake have been somewhat limited.

The obvious stumbling block in talks with potential targets is going to be the role offered to any player.

Manchester City have Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, and John Stones all in the top-three places in the central defensive pecking order, so game time for a new recruit would be significantly reduced.

Nevertheless, City continue to be linked with a number of top names from across Europe.

Most recently, Etihad officials had reportedly registered their interest in Villarreal's Pau Torres, while they are also continuing to monitor the situation concerning Barcelona target, Jules Kounde.

RB Leipzig's Joško Gvardiol also remains a player who is admired at the Etihad Stadium, but his price tag may keep him away from City for the time being.