Arsenal complicate Nathan Ake chase for Chelsea, Spurs, Manchester City, Everton — report

Chelsea reportedly have a £40m buyback clause for Dutch international Nathan Aké, who joined the Cherries from Chelsea for £20m back in 2017. Given our defensive issues this season, we‘ve been thus linked with the centre-back a few times in recent weeks. While no one’s confirmed or denied anything, if there’s any truth to any of those return rumours, then things might have gotten a bit more complicated, as apparently Arsenal have joined the fray as well.

Arsenal lost Calum Chambers to long-term injury in the 2-1 loss to Chelsea last week. So in addition to Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, the Gunners now also appear to be in contention for the 24-year-old’s signature. A point to note would be that clubs not named Chelsea would in all likelihood have to pay a higher fee for him, based on his footballing ability as well as his home-grown status.

Since leaving Chelsea in 2017, Ake has improved his gameplay drastically and managed to become the starting centre-back for Bournemouth. While the talent was always there, a more stable situation than changing clubs every season as part of the Chelsea Loan Army seems to have worked out in his favor. His rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed. While he is not the most physically imposing centre back at a height of 5’11”, his composure on the ball and his passing range along with his left-footedness have made him a hot commodity.

Ake is currently rehabilitating from a hamstring injury and won’t be back until at least the third week of this month, but that doesn’t seem to have deterred his suitors. Whether Chelsea are looking at the player as a long-term fix, a short-term fix, or just as somebody to rebuy and resell at a higher price, we need to act soon. The transfer window is long, but new competitors and complications arise with each passing day. There’s no reason to waste time.