Chelsea step up pursuit of Manchester City defender Nathan Ake amid concerns that Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt could join Bayern Munich
- Chelsea are intensifying their pursuit of Manchester City defender Nathan Ake
- The Blues are fearful that key target Matthijs de Ligt will sign for Bayern Munich
- City are reluctant to sell Ake and would have to bring in a replacement first
Chelsea‘s need for Manchester City‘s Nathan Ake has grown stronger amid fears Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt could choose Bayern Munich over a move to London.
Chelsea are willing to offer a higher fee than the Germans of around £68m.
The Blues had identified de Ligt as one of their key transfer targets and offered Timo Werner as part of the deal but were unable to reach an agreement with Juventus.
Chelsea are set to step up their pursuit of Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake
Bayern have now overtaken Chelsea in the battle for de Ligt, with the German club’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic having spoken to the Dutchman.
Juventus are willing to accept a fee of £68.9million for de Light and, although Bayern aren’t currently prepared to meet that valuation, they are hopeful that an agreement will eventually be able to be reached.
With a deal for de Ligt proving problematic, Chelsea will now focus their attention on attempting to re-sign Ake.
Thomas Tuchel is eager to bring in a high-profile centre-back having already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Matthijs de Ligt was Chelsea’s number one defensive target but he could join Bayern Munich
Ake joined Chelsea as a youngster in 2011 and remained at the club until 2017, taking in a series of loan spells. In total he made 17 senior appearances for Chelsea and won the Europa League and the League Cup.
A move to Bournemouth followed before Ake signed for City in 2020. He played just 14 Premier League games for Pep Guardiola’s side last season.
Bringing Ake back to Stamford Bridge may not be straightforward, however, with City warning Chelsea that they have no plans to sell him.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is eager to bring in a significant signing at centre-back
Newcastle made an enquiry for Ake earlier this summer and were informed that he is valued at £50million.
Even if Chelsea are willing to pay that price City would have to bring in a replacement defender before they could sanction a sale.
Chelsea are also looking to sign Ake’s team-mate, winger Raheem Sterling.
