Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake in action. (Getty Images)
According to an earlier report by The Sun, Manchester City are interested in a £40million swoop for Bournemouth ace Nathan Ake in the January window.
The former Chelsea star has enjoyed a bright start to life with the Cherries and is one of the most promising young stars in the ongoing campaign. Eddie Howe’s men have also enjoyed a fantastic start to the season and are in the reckoning for finishing in one of the top spots.
However, the 23-year-old’s powerful performances in the heart of the defence have certainly set him apart from his contemporaries. In 9 matches so far, the Cherries have conceded 12 goals and are currently placed 6th in the table. And suffice to say, Ake has played a key role in all their successes on the field this term.
A natural ball-playing centre-back, Ake is one of the most versatile youngsters in the game right now. Although he is a prolific central defender, he can also play as a left-back and a defensive midfielder if needed.
Pep Guardiola has established a healthy yet attack-oriented system at Manchester City and the 23-year-old is skilled enough to suit the team’s needs. As far as the club’s options in the heart of the defence are concerned, they have Nicolas Otamendi, Vincent Kompany, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte as options.
Kompany is certainly in the twilight years of his career but Laporte, Stones and Otamendi have all excelled in the ongoing campaign. With three powerful centre-backs in the mix, it does seem a tad odd for City to make a move for Ake.
However, his presence would not only boost the club’s forces at the back but also provide Guardiola with an option for the defensive midfield area.
Fernandinho has been a loyal servant but he is on the wrong side of 30. And barring him, City do not have a solid player who can take charge of the responsibility.
Hence, it is an interesting situation since moving to City might rob away Ake’s chances of playing regularly as a centre-back. But moving to a side managed by Guardiola and the opportunity to play in the Champions League could be hard for the youngster to turn down.
