Agbonlahor shares verdict on West Ham signing Ake after latest update
Nathan Ake is “going to cost a lot of money” if West Ham want to sign him, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker suggested Man City may be unwilling to let Ake join West Ham given they are both fighting at the top end of the table.
Eurosport reported on Sunday (12 December) the defender is keen on a switch to the London Stadium if Man City allow it.
But an Irons source has told Football Insider today the club are not hopeful of landing Ake as they do not expect the Premier League champions to let him go in January.
West Ham are exploring a deal as they look to bolster their backline after injuries to Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbanna.
Claret & Hugh reported yesterday (13 December) the pair are likely to miss the rest of the season with a knee and an ACL injury, respectively.
David Moyes only has Craig Dawson and Issa Diop as fit senior centre-back options.
Asked if Ake could be an upgrade on Moyes’ current options, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “He would be.
“But I don’t see them letting him go, to be honest. He’s been playing recently and Man City will want to keep him.
“I don’t see that being an option, to be honest. I don’t think Man City need to be doing West Ham any favourites.
“Someone like Ake is going to cost a lot of money.”
Ake has managed 10 appearances across all competitions for Man City this term, including four Premier League starts.
The 26-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium last summer (2020) and has now featured in 23 games under Pep Guardiola.
In other news, West Ham have made an approach to sign a striker and £16m could seal the deal.