Chelsea have been linked with a move for former academy product Nathan Ake, as the Dutch international has now blossomed while playing for Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old was sold to the Cherries back in 2017, and Ake has now grown to be a top Premier League defender. With Chelsea keen to solve the club’s defensive issues, the Blues have been linked with a move to bring back Ake to the club just two years after he left.
With Ake having shown promise, Chelsea did well not to sell him entirely as a buyback clause was inserted in the deal.
However, Chelsea have just one last chance to trigger a £40m buy-back clause inserted in Nathan Ake’s contract. According to The Athletic, it will expire before the summer of 2020, which means this winter window provides the last chance for the Blues to activate it.
Meanwhile, Ake has recently revealed that he still keeps an eye on Chelsea and is impressed with how the club has been faring under Frank Lampard. “Yeah, 100 per cent [I have been impressed],” Ake told Sky Sports.
“With the transfer ban, they couldn’t buy anyone, so they used the youth players and they have done fantastically. It’s so good to see and I’m so happy for everyone who is playing now.
“Everyone could always see Frank Lampard would become a head coach. The way he was as a player, always trying to help people and on everyone’s case. I’m very happy for Chelsea.”