Crystal Palace are eyeing a move to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake next summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Selhurst Park side have reportedly identified the Dutch international as a potential replacement for captain Marc Guehi, who is expected to leave Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season.
A trio of European giants – Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid – are among the clubs interested in Guehi’s services, with Oliver Glasner’s side set to lose the defender for free in 2026.
Palace are claimed to be long-term admirers of Ake and considered a move for the 30-year-old last summer.
Ake will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season, which means he could depart the Etihad Stadium in a cut-price deal.
Nathan Ake is Palace’s Ideal Guehi Replacement
Nathan Ake in action for Manchester City
According to Jones, Man City could open the door for Ake’s exit after the season, considering it may be one of their last opportunities to cash in on the 30-year-old defender before his contract expires.
The veteran centre-back would be an ideal solution for Palace amid Guehi’s anticipated exit – with 240 Premier League appearances to his name, Ake could bring significant experience to Selhurst Park.
He could also sign on the cheap, which is a plus, considering Palace are unlikely to receive any transfer fee for Guehi, whose departure is anticipated at the end of his contract.
Ake joined Man City from Bournemouth in the summer of 2020 and has helped Pep Guardiola’s side win 10 major titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including four Premier Leagues and the Champions League in 2022/23.
That same season, City lifted their first-ever treble by winning the Premier League and the FA Cup as well, with Ake playing an important role in their historic campaign, making 41 appearances in all competitions.
The £200,000-a-week defender has only made one Premier League start this season and none in the Champions League, registering eight appearances and 391 minutes of action in all competitions.
Palace have several expiring contracts on their books, with defender Nathaniel Clyne and midfielders Daichi Kamada, Jefferson Lerma and Naouirou Ahamada among those who could leave for free at the end of the season.
Glasner’s side are sitting 10th in the Premier League after nine games and next host Brentford on Saturday.