Why Chelsea must re-sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake
According to The Sun, Chelsea have the option of re-signing Nathan Ake from Bournemouth due to the defender’s buy-back clause being active.
The Blues sold Nathan Ake, 24, to Bournemouth in the summer of 2017, but included an option to buy him back for £40million, claims the Sun. The Dutchman has made 113 appearances for the South Coast club, establishing himself as a regular.
The report adds that a host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Ake in the summer, but Chelsea must activate the defender’s buy-back clause to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues failed to bring in new players during the January transfer window despite their transfer ban being lifted. However, they have announced the signing of Ajax star Hakim Ziyech for £37m last week, with the Moroccan international joining the West Londoners next season. (h/t the Daily Mail)
Frank Lampard’s men have struggled for form of late, managing only one win in their last five league games. Their wretched form has seen the likes of Tottenham, Sheffield United and Manchester United close the gap on the top four. In fact, a place in the top four became wide open on Monday when Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have conceded 36 goals in 26 games so far this season, with none of Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori living up to the required standards.
The current pairing of Rudiger and Christensen has looked steady, yet, the Blues haven’t stopped leaking goals. Having said that, Lampard must prioritise strengthening his defence ahead of next season and should sign Nathan Ake to bolster his squad.
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Ake has performed consistently for Bournemouth since joining from Chelsea, establishing himself as one of the dependable defenders in the Premier League. A central defender by trade, he can also play at left-back or in defensive midfield when needed.
Verdict
Lampard’s Chelsea are in need of some fresh centre-back options next season and a proven Premier League defender like Ake would be a smart addition at Stamford Bridge. The Netherlands international would bring competition in the squad. So the Blues must not think twice before re-signing Ake in the summer.
