Nathan Ake ‘agrees personal terms with Chelsea as Man City demand £45m for centre-back and Guardiola chases replacement’
NATHAN AKE is reportedly closing in on a move back to Stamford Bridge after agreeing personal terms with Chelsea.
SunSport reported on Friday morning how the Blues were in advanced talks with Manchester City for the Dutch defender.
Thomas Tuchel is desperate to bolster his backline having seen Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart as free agents.
The West Londoners are known to be interested in securing the services of Juventus' defensive stalwart Matthijs de Ligt.
But the 22-year-old is believed to have eyes only for Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga outfit look to thrash out a quick transfer.
As a result, Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of De Ligt's compatriot.
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Ake, who came through Chelsea's academy before being sold to Bournemouth in 2017, was used sparingly by Pep Guardiola last season.
He started just ten times in the Premier League, with Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte the Spaniard's preferred pairing.
And City are willing to part ways with Ake, but are demanding up to £45million.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says the Citizens are now braced for a bid, before pressing ahead with finding a replacement for Ake.
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He : "Chelsea have full agreement with Nathan Ake on personal terms.
"Man City are aware of the situation on the player side, but still waiting to receive the official bid.
"City want around £40/45m for Ake and plan is to replace him with a new centre back in case he leaves."
Ake could be joined by City team-mate Raheem Sterling in West London.
It is understood that, like Ake, the England international has agreed personal terms with Chelsea as he nears a £50m switch to the capital.