Nathan Ake is set to follow Raheem Sterling from Manchester City to Chelsea with the two clubs in ‘advanced’ talks over a deal for the defender.
Chelsea have held discussions with the Premier League champions over a deal to re-sign Ake, who began his senior career in west London before joining Bournemouth in 2017.
Thomas Tuchel wants to bring the Netherlands international back to Stamford Bridge and the Blues are understood to be closing in on an agreement for the defender.
Chelsea’s focus has been on defensive additions following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, with Ake viewed as a replacement for the left-sided centre-back role in Tuchel’s side.
The Times are reporting that Ake is open to a return to Chelsea, having made just 17 senior appearances before leaving in a £20m deal for Bournemouth.
The Dutchman signed for Manchester City for a fee of £41m in 2020 and has won back-to-back Premier League titles at the Etihad, but has struggled for regular first-team football and has made just 24 league appearances across two seasons.
Ake could join Raheem Sterling in making the move to Chelsea from City, with the Blues having agreed personal terms with the England international ahead of a £45m move.
The former will hope a more prominent club role can earn his place in the Netherlands side ahead of the World Cup in November, having won 27 caps for the Oranje at international level.
