The redevelopment of Nathan Ake’s mansion near Cobham has sparked speculation that the Manchester City defender could be making a return to Chelsea.
It has been reported that Ake is making this mansion his main residence despite the £40m centre-back still playing for City.
However, with his contract expiring next year, perhaps the Citizens are thinking about selling him.
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Nathan Ake’s height will be a concern for set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva
Now 31 years of age and with 249 Premier League appearances under his belt, many will feel that Ake is the sort of player this inexperienced Chelsea side need. Their set-piece coach, though, may disagree.
Bernardo Cueva has watched Chelsea concede 14 goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season. According to WhoScored, only three teams have conceded more.
Ake is a very good defender technically. He can play at centre-back, left-back and is very comfortable in possession. The City star plays how you would expect any Dutch defender to.
However, Ake only stands at 5’11”, which would likely concern Cueva and Liam Rosenior after all of the goals that have been conceded from corners and free-kicks this season.
Bernardo Cueva, Chelsea Technical Analyst
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Because of his experience, the Club World Cup winners should definitely not be too quick to say no to Ake if he is available. But it is clear that they need a more powerful and dominant defender. Unfortunately for Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, there are not too many of those lying around.
While he has not been in the best form this season, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate would be perfect.
Konate is strong, quick and tall, standing at 6’4″. He could also be available on a free transfer this summer, with his contract set to expire.
Chelsea showed interest in Konate last year, but with the Frenchman being linked with a move to Real Madrid, the Blues probably have little chance of landing him. Liverpool to Chelsea is not a step up either.
Ake is not a bad alternative and is probably better than most of Chelsea’s current options, but he will not come without his weaknesses.
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