Nathan Ake could now quit Man City after source’s reveal – pundit
Nathan Ake may be keen to quit Man City and Chelsea would be an ideal next step, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League forward suggested Ake will be desperate to play regular football ahead of the World Cup later this year.
A Man City source told Football Insider on Monday (4 July) that they will sell the 27-year-old is free to find a new club if they submit an appropriate offer and they can source a replacement.
The Evening Standard reported on Tuesday (5 July) that discussions with Chelsea over a move are at an advanced stage.
“For your chances of going to the World Cup you’ve got to be playing regularly, that’s the only way you’re seen, scouted and assessed,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Yes, I’m probably sure he would like to have that opportunity to go if it came around but can they really afford to let a player like Ake go?
“I really admire as a player, I think he’s fantastic and would love to see him given more game time. At the minute, you’ve got so many centre-halves in front of him.
“John Stones is flying and a regular in the England set-up and you can see why now. It did start shaky for him at Man City and he’s grown into the role massively and he’s now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
“I guess that’s where Nathan Ake needs to be. You’re going to leave the champions, Chelsea is not a bad next step. You’re going to be in and around it if you got Chelsea and they need centre-halves.”
In other news, Raheem Sterling’s move to Chelsea is “very nearly done” after what a pundit has “heard”.