Chelsea are reportedly keen on re-signing Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake to solve their defensive issues.
The Dutch international, who spent six seasons with the London club, joined them when he was 16, before going on to make 17 appearances for the senior side.
As per The Telegraph, the Blues are interested in bringing him back to Stamford Bridge, after his impressive spell with the Cherries.
The Blues can sign players in the January transfer window as their transfer ban has been lifted, and Ake is going to be one of their prime targets.
Ake was sold to Bournemouth for £20 million two years ago, but they will have to pay double that amount if they want to sign him now.
The Dutchman’s contract with his current club expires in 2022. The Blues will have to fend off interest from Manchester City, who are also reportedly interested in signing him.
Is Nathan Ake the solution for Chelsea’s defensive issues?
The Blues under Frank Lampard have played expansive, attractive football, but they have been pretty vulnerable at the back. They have conceded 24 goals in 16 games, which is more than any side in the top 8 of the Premier League currently.
Chelsea have missed the experience of Antonio Rudiger at the back, who has been out of action due to an injury.
Ake, meanwhile, has had a good season with Bournemouth and is one of their best defenders. The Dutch international is strong with the ball at his feet, is quick – which helps him make key interceptions and blocks – and is a leader at the back.
He could be a solid addition to the Chelsea backline and could form a solid partnership with Rudiger, who is currently the best centre-half at the club.
The left-footed Bournemouth defender is also a versatile player who can play at left-back or defensive midfield apart from his the centre-back position.
Ake knows the club inside out having spent a large chunk of his footballing career there. At 24 years of age, he is developing well as a defender and still has his prime years ahead of him.
His experience of playing in the Premier League consistently will help him adapt to life under Lampard at Chelsea easily.
