Nathan Ake ‘is STAYING at Manchester City despite Chelsea’s £50m interest in him’… which could lead Thomas Tuchel to revive interest in Sevilla’s Jules Kounde as he looks to plug defensive gaps
- Thomas Tuchel is looking to bolster his backline this summer after key exits
- Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge
- But Dutch international Nathan Ake will reportedly not be following him
- Ake, 27, came through Chelsea’s academy before leaving the club five years ago
Nathan Ake is reportedly set to remain at Manchester City this summer despite Chelsea showing a strong interest in the defender.
Thomas Tuchel is looking to bolster his backline this summer and is close to signing Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
The Blues have been in discussions over a £50million transfer for Ake in recent weeks and were hopeful of reaching an agreement with City, but it appears that their pursuit has ended in failure.
Nathan Ake is reportedly set to stay at Manchester City this summer despite Chelsea’s interest
According to The Athletic, Ake will not make the switch Stamford Bridge as ‘the terms of the deal were not right for City’.
The report claims that the 27-year-old is a popular member of Pep Guardiola’s squad and is happy to be staying at the Etihad Stadium.
It is said that the Premier League champions would only have sold Ake had their valuation been met, as he provides strength in depth in multiple positions.
The Dutch international started his career at Chelsea after joining the Blues’ academy at 15
The Dutch international joined City from Bournemouth two years ago and has helped the club win back-to-back league titles.
He started his career at Chelsea after joining the Blues’ academy at the age of 15, but only made 17 first team appearances before departing in 2017.
Following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer – and with Cesar Azpilicueta also keen on a move away – the west London club are currently short on centre-backs.
Chelsea will now reportedly revive their interest in Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea will now revive their interest in Sevilla man Jules Kounde, who they pursued throughout last summer.
The Spanish club proved to be stubborn negotiators a year ago, while the Blues were not willing to meet the 23-year-old’s £68.4m release clause.
PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe is also a target for Thomas Tuchel as he looks to plug the gaps in his team’s backline.
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