CHELSEA will have to move fast if they want to re-sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.
That’s because the 24-year-old’s £40m buy-back clause expires in the summer.
Nathan Ake might have some unfinished business at Chelsea – but the Blues would have to match his £40m buyoutCredit: PA:Press Association
According to The Athletic the Blues have the first refusal to sign the defender who has been a revelation since joining the Cherries.
The Dutch international moved to the south coast back in 2017 after barely being given a look-in at Stamford Bridge.
But with Chelsea’s transfer ban now lifted, a centre-half is surely going to be a priority for boss Frank Lampard.
Kurt Zouma has looked shaky at times, while Andreas Christensen is prone to errors.
Frank Lampard is sure to want some defensive reinforcements in JanuaryCredit: AFP
Fikayo Tomori is still learning the ropes after spending last season out on loan to Derby.
The Athletic is reporting that “no conversations” have taken place over Ake, who missed Bournemouth’s 1-0 win against Chelsea at the weekend with injury.
But it wouldn’t be no surprise if the 24-year-old was on Lampard’s radar after Christmas.
Manchester City could also show their hand.
Lampard has been tipped for a £150m spree after their transfer ban was lifted.
WHITE ON TARGET
His other big-name targets could include two flying attackers in Borussia Dortmund’s England star Jadon Sancho and Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha.
Another player to be linked with Chelsea is Brighton defender Ben White.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Lampard’s scouts are raving about the 22-year-old centre-half, who is starring on loan at high-flying Leeds this season.
White has been a huge hit for Leeds with his skilful, ice-cool displays as they storm the Championship.
Chelsea have been watching him regularly and insiders reveal they are convinced he is worth buying.
Brighton do not want to lose White but a £25million offer may make it hard to resist, especially as he would also be tempted by a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are so serious about White that they see him going into their first team quickly.
He can also play in the Champions League — a large incentive.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
