Chelsea, Bournemouth agree Nathan Ake transfer — report

Rumors of a £20m bid from Bournemouth for Nathan Ake materialized over the weekend and not wasting much time at all, look to be turning into reality. In fairness, this move has been mooted since the end of the season — nay, since the end of January when Chelsea recalled Ake from Bournemouth only for the Cherries to submit a desperation bid to keep the defender for the second half of the season as well.

Nathan Ake is clearly far more wanted at Bournemouth than at Chelsea, and that’s just the harsh reality of Chelsea’s modus operandi. So here’s the Guardian with the news that the two clubs have agreed a deal in principle. While there are “minor details” left to resolve, the 22-year-old is expected to sign the contract in the next 48 hours.

As the report points out, Chelsea weren’t exactly looking to sell Ake, but a combination of a nice price, the player’s own ambitions, and the lack of any real prospect of consistent playing time sealed the deal for what will be Bournemouth’s club record signing. At Chelsea, Ake would be competing with the likes of Cahill, David Luiz, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Zouma, and perhaps another new signing or two. At Bournemouth, he’s a day one starter.

When you have three-four team’s worth of players in the organization, many are bound to not make it. It’s just how it is. Previous rumors claimed that Chelsea will insist on a buy-back clause and the Guardian confirms those aims. So, farewell, for now, Nathan Ake, after six years at Chelsea. Maybe we’ll meet again at some point in the future.