Etihad Campus, Manchester, Britain - April 12, 2022, Manchester City's Nathan Ake during training.
Manchester City have now agreed a fee to sell defender Nathan Ake to Chelsea, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Progress in negotiations
The 27-year-old joined the Premier League champions two years ago, but has never really developed into anything more than a bit-part player under Pep Guardiola, and this has seen him recently being linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Sky Sports first reported last month that the Blues were in talks with City over a potential move for the Dutchman, before transfer insider Fabrizio Romano stated last week that the player had agreed personal terms over a return to Stamford Bridge.
The Latest: City and Chelsea agree fee for Ake
In an article published by 90min, it’s claimed that Ake is ‘closing in’ on a transfer to Chelsea, with the two clubs involved having now ‘agreed’ a £45m fee.
It’s stated that the ‘exact structure’ and ‘add-on sums’ of the deal are ‘yet to be finalised’, although it’s apparently clear that the centre-back is ‘keen’ on making a return to the capital.
The Verdict: Should suit everyone
Manchester City have already lost Raheem Sterling to Chelsea after his departure was confirmed on Wednesday, and it seems highly likely that Ake will soon be following in his footsteps.
The 27-cap Netherlands international, who was once dubbed a ‘sensational’ player by sports journalist Josh Bunting, only made ten starts in the top flight under Guardiola last term (following on from nine in 2020/21), and he is behind the likes of John Stones and Ruben Dias in the pecking order.
Are Man City right to let Ake leave?
Yes
No
Ake leaving the club would be the best scenario for all parties, as he can make a return to his former stomping ground and receive more game-time, whilst City can use his transfer fee to generate funds for any further additions they may wish to make before the start of the season.
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