Chelsea sold Nathan Ake to Bournemouth back in 2017 for a £20m fee, which will go down as a bargain for the Cherries.
Ake only continued to improve at the Vitality Stadium before getting a big-money move to another Premier League outfit, Manchester City, three years later.
The defender has had a very successful time under Pep Guardiola, winning the title and Champions League. However, it looks like he could be on his way out of the Etihad this summer.
SEMI-FINAL 1: Frank Lampard vs Cesc Fabregas
Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas
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Nathan Ake’s mansion near Cobham set to become his main residence
Ake’s contract at City expires next year, meaning that the Citizens could sell the centre-back in the next transfer window to avoid losing him on a free. If they do, it appears that Cobham could be his destination.
According to The Sun, Ake already has a mansion near there and is having it redeveloped. It is thought that said mansion will be his main residence.
A statement from his planning agent, which has been shared by the newspaper, said: “This is a self-build application with the applicants intending to reside at the property as their main residence.”
Nathan Ake of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
In terms of numbers, Chelsea are not actually short in the centre-half department. Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Mamadou Sarr, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong and Tosin Adarabioyo can all play there.
Levi Colwill will also be an option for Liam Rosenior when he returns from his ACL injury. However, none of those names are as experienced as Ake.
Colwill could make his comeback next month in what would be a huge boost for the Blues.
Pros and cons of Chelsea re-signing Nathan Ake
Ake’s experience is definitely one reason why the Dutchman could be the perfect addition to this Chelsea squad.
Ake is now 31 and has made nearly 250 appearances in the Premier League. The Netherlands international being able to play at centre-back and left-back also makes him an attractive option.
At 5’11”, though, Ake is not the most physically imposing centre-half. That would be one worry, especially with Chelsea being so vulnerable from set-pieces this season.
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