Manchester City: Fans shudder over links with Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake

Manchester City have been linked with a host of centre-back names amid their defensive crisis, with stars like Kalidou Koulibaly occasionally popping up in the rumour mill, but one name that supporters aren’t particularly impressed with is Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.

Ake, who has amassed an 89.6% pass success rate in 16 Premier League appearances for the Cherries this season, is now reportedly on City’s radar as they look to bolster their backline for an uphill title challenge.

Pep Guardiola’s defensive issues have been well documented this campaign, with star defender Aymeric Laporte out until after the New Year, leaving them looking vulnerable at the back.

Defensive duo Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones also haven’t always been available this season, with midfielder Fernandinho having to step back from his preferred slot as City’s pivot in defensive midfield.

This has prompted the rumour, as per Sky Sports, that the Sky Blues are about to swoop for Ake – but supporters aren’t impressed, after the defender appeared to hurt his hamstring in Bournemouth’s defeat to Liverpool.

Here’s what they had to say on Twitter:

This looks like panic buying……

— KING (@KevaNjoroge) December 9, 2019

Well he is injured so I can see why we’re interested.

— Matthew Miller (@MillerMattu) December 9, 2019

Why waste money in Jan when you can go for a better target in the summer?

Just stop buying second raters and go all out for Koulibaly in the summer.

— Luke (@Komps4) December 9, 2019