Even though Bournemouth center-back Nathan Ake is out for six weeks with a hamstring injury, it could be not long until he’s back at Stamford Bridge in a Blues uniform.
Eddie Howe was handed a huge blow this week, with Nathan Ake set to miss six weeks with a hamstring strain. There’s a high chance he doesn’t suit up for Bournemouth again until late January as the transfer window comes to a close. But according to the Express UK, Ake’s former club Chelsea is very keen on his abilities and could make a move for him in the next two transfer windows. The youngster signed with Chelsea as a 16-year old and spent five years with the club, playing alongside Frank Lampard as well. He spent numerous loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, then was ultimately sold to Bournemouth for 20 million euros. However, Chelsea activated a 40 million euros buy-back clause in Ake’s contract.
Chelsea had their transfer ban uplifted last week, meaning they can sign players in January. Their most notable weakness this term has been their backline, who have looked very shaky at times. Kurt Zouma has looked very unstable as of late, while Andreas Christensen doesn’t necessarily profile as a long-term defender at a club like Chelsea. Fikayo Tomori has impressed, along with Reece James. But they do need more solidarity at the center-back position. Zouma and Tomori have typically paired together in the middle, but although Zouma is very physical, his mistakes as of late are making Lampard question if he’s the right man for the job in one of the most important positions on the pitch.
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This is where Ake comes in. Although Bournemouth has been in dreadful form this year, the Dutchman has been one of their most consistent players at center-back. He also has the ability to play left-back, which is also a spot of weakness for the blues. The 24-year old is a very physical and smart defender with great speed, and despite his smaller stature, he isn’t shy to win aerial duels.
With this hamstring injury and Antonio Rudiger’s return to Chelsea, the Blues would probably wait to make a move for Ake in the summer transfer window. This could be the best decision though as they can see how Ake does once he returns from injury and how their own defense fares for the remainder of the season. With the buy-back clause in consideration, it wouldn’t be that difficult to get him back in London.
With his connection to the club and the youth movement that’s already happening under Lampard, he would be a really great fit. Ake might be young, but he already has a lot of experience under his belt in England’s top flight.
If Rudiger returns to his top form and they can get Ake in the summer, Chelsea would be set up with a very strong backline. They would have numerous defenders to choose from each weekend and it would create more competition amongst them for playing time.
Nathan Ake would be a great addition to an already exciting Chelsea squad and would provide the Blues with another quality defender who has the versatility and skill set to play center and left-back.