The last few weeks may have been dominated by Ake incoming stories, but it looks like that return will not be happening. According to the most recent reports, including from the Evening Standard and other less desirable sources, Chelsea have “cooled interest” in the club’s former Academy standout.
As the per the report, Chelsea’s scouting department have unearthed some aspects of Ake’s gameplay that are concerning and while most would assume this to have something to do with his aerial prowess, it is apparently Ake’s ability to play a high line that has raised a red flag. One can’t help but wonder why it’s taken so long to figure that out, but whatever. These concerns, coupled with Bournemouth’s poor form and Ake’s own recent hamstring injury have led Chelsea looking elsewhere.
Lewis Dunk is another centre-back who has been linked to Chelsea, but his £50m asking price is farcical and it is extremely difficult to even envision a scenario where Chelsea would accede to Brighton’s demands. Issa Diop is another name in the rumor mill, but it’s probable that West Ham would also ask silly money for him in this silly season. There’s also a mention of 19-year-old Marash Kumbulla of Hellas Verona, and while he is rated quite highly in Italy, he wouldn’t immediately upgrade our backline.
With no viable options are available, Chelsea might as well just until the summer. That should give Lampard and everyone else enough time to figure out which of our current four centre backs is actually the best!
Stay tuned, I guess...