Chelsea have dropped out of the race to sign Nathan Ake, who has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in recent weeks, according to Sky Sports.
The Netherlands international appears to be a man in demand, but emerging claims suggest that the Blues will not be pursuing their former youngster in the January transfer window.
Chelsea have, as per Sky Sports, a buy-back clause which allows them to sign Ake for £40 million. However, it seems they will not be triggering this option as they turn their attention elsewhere.
Read Chelsea’s verdict
The Blues have conceded 29 goals – more than any other side in the top seven – during the Premier League season so far, and it comes as little surprise to see them linked with defenders like Ake.
However, the signs have been somewhat positive. Fikayo Tomori’s displays have seen him integrated into the England squad this term, and Antonio Rudiger’s return from injury has provided Frank Lampard with a welcome boost.
Chelsea’s transfer ban is lifted now, though, and the club are yet to replace David Luiz following his move to Arsenal last summer.
Ake is a good defender, as he has shown over the years at Bournemouth. We don’t believe, however, that he would significantly improve Chelsea at the back, and targets of a higher standard should be pursued instead.
The former Blues youngster has been part of a dismal Premier League season for the Cherries, which sees them languishing in the relegation zone.
While Ake is not chiefly to blame for the Cherries’ downfall, he has hardly shown the credentials of a centre-back worth the quoted £40 million, and we reckon that the Blues are doing the right thing by dropping out of the race to sign him.
