According to an update by Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol via the Liverpool Echo, Chelsea are reportedly unlikely to trigger the buy-back clause to bring Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake back to Stamford Bridge – giving Everton the potential green light to go for the Englishman this month.
Ake, who has also attracted Arsenal’s interest as they search for defensive reinforcements (Daily Telegraph), is currently at the centre of a ‘tug of war’ between the three Premier League clubs. The Bournemouth defender has been a crucial player for the Cherries this campaign, starting 17 league games whilst making 4.2 clearances on average per match, according to WhoScored.com.
However, whilst certain attributes to his game may be impressive, like his solid 89.1% pass success rate for example, the Englishman has averaged less tackles (1.1) than out of form Toffees defender Micheal Keane (1.2) and the same amount of interceptions (1.4) – perhaps feeding into why supporters aren’t too ecstatic on the 24-year-old, especially with his reported above £40 million price tag. (Telegraph).
A potentially cheaper alternative signing that one supporter pointed out would be bringing Kurt Zouma back in on loan, especially considering he has amassed the same amount of clearances per game as Ake (4.2) whilst making more interceptions (1.9). Here’s how supporters slammed the Ake rumour on Twitter.
And I don’t think he is but still if Brands does. But I cannot c us splashing 50 mill in the January window I’d rather have Zouma back on loan
— Mark Wilson (@efcmark777) January 15, 2020
Got to start thinking bigger than signing players from smaller clubs for huge amounts.
— Rob (@Kavanini1878) January 15, 2020
£50m ? Crazy, just crazy. He had to b like 5 times the player of any of our existing lot and the two academy players ?
— Mark Wilson (@efcmark777) January 15, 2020
Interesting but at £50m not a chance, we have to draw a line and not be bullied to pay silly money for overrated players. I like Ake, but not at £50m. Next
— Manny F (@sharpconvo) January 15, 2020
Not worth 5 million never mind 50 . Why buy a center back from a team that’s going down and shipping goals left right and centre #UTFT
— Alan jordan (@jordo1967) January 15, 2020
I don’t think a relegation threatened defender is the answer. I’m sure there’s a great defender outside the UK for the same or a lower fee.
— Darren Cowzer (@DarrenCowzer) January 15, 2020
Everton fans, would you like to see Nathan Ake at Goodison Park? Join the discussion by commenting below…
