Chelsea backed to complete Nathan Ake deal amid new talks update – ‘It’s gone under the radar’
Frank McAvennie has suggested Nathan Ake’s steady defensive performances have gone “under the radar” at Man City and that he would be a great addition for Chelsea.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-West Ham striker said Ake is a “decent defender” who would fit in well at Stanford Bridge.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported (13 July) that the 27-year-old is in talks with Thomas Tuchel’s side over a move.
The Dutch international, who joined from Bournemouth in 2020, has three years left on his contract at the Etihad.
The centre-back began his senior career with Chelsea after signing a professional contract in 2013.
He spent much of that time out on loan before moving to Bournemouth in 2017.
When asked if he thought the centre-back could fit in at Stamford Bridge, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I think so.
“They’re chopping and changing at Chelsea. I think he’s a decent player, he’s in the Netherlands squad. I think he does alright.
“He goes under the radar, he’s not your [Virgil] van Dijk and he’s not your [Harry] Maguire who’s playing terribly and everyone jumps on him. But he’s in between, he goes under the radar.
“But he‘s an international now and sometimes that’s the best place to do it. I think he’s a decent defender.
Ake made 27 appearances for City across all competitions last season, six of which came from their Champions League campaign.
Those outings yielded three goals.
In other news, an expert has suggested Man City will be “haunted” by Raheem Sterling as new details emerge.