Stefan Borson: This is when Man City are likely to sell axed 153-app star

Nathan Ake has seen his role decrease at Manchester City in the opening months of this season. 

Ake has dropped down the pecking order as Pep Guardiola continues to revamp his squad at the Etihad Stadium. 

The Netherlands international has made 153 appearances for Man City since joining from Bournemouth for £40million in 2020. 

Ake was linked with a Man City exit in the summer transfer window, but a move failed to materialise. 

Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in signing Ake in January, while Inter Milan and Juventus have also been credited with an interest in the 30-year-old.

Nathan Ake set for Man City exit

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Guardiola’s side could look to sell Ake at the end of this season. 

The centre-back’s contract is due to expire at the Etihad in June 2027.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Well, he's played very little football. I think there's a good possibility he could leave. 

“I think there was talk of deals in the summer. Whether they'd be prepared to let him go in January, I think probably kind of depends on the state of the squad, injuries, etc. 

“It feels more like something that would be done at the end of the season. 

“But I think it's clear that his time at City is drawing to a close, whether it be this window or the next one.” 

Ake has made eight appearances for Man City this season, but he’s only started once in the Premier League. 

Ake handed Man City blow after Nico O'Reilly emergence

Ake’s latest outing came in the 3-1 victory over Swansea City in the Carabao Cup on 29 October, where he captained Guardiola’s side. 

The Dutchman has fallen behind Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones in terms of the options at centre-back. 

Meanwhile, Nico O’Reilly’s emergence at left-back and the return of Rayan Ait-Nouri from injury means he’s unlikely to fill in on the left-hand side of the defence any time soon. 

Man City currently sit second in the Premier League table, four points behind Arsenal after the 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the weekend. 

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