Five reasons why Nathan Ake is perfect for Chelsea

The Blues have shown interest in re-signing the Dutch centre-half.

Chelsea's new owner Todd Boehly is expected to spend big in the ongoing transfer window to win over the fans. The club have already lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger on free transfers. While César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are close to joining Barcelona. Club record signing Romelu Lukaku has re-joined Inter Milan on loan for next season.

But the blues are close to completing the signing of Manchester City and England star winger Raheem Sterling. Chelsea were also linked with Leeds winger Raphinha, but he is also close to joining Barcelona. Thomas Tuchel's side are also linked with a move for Dutch centre-half Nathan Ake. With pre-season about to start and the Premier League start just a few weeks away, Chelsea need to move fast in the transfer market.

But today we are focusing on Chelsea's pursuit of Nathan Ake, here are five reasons why the Dutch centre-half is the perfect fit for the blues:

5. Left footed

Antonio Rudiger majorly played as the left-sided centre-half in Thomas Tuchel's preferred back 5 formation. But the German defender has joined La Liga giants Real Madrid on a free transfer. Ake being a natural left-footer could be the perfect replacement for Rudiger on the left side of the defence.

4. Perfect age

Despite it feeling like Ake has been warming the Manchester City bench for years, the Dutch centre-half is still just 27 and has plenty of time left on the game's top level. Ake could be in the heart of the defence for the blues for years to come. He has also racked up 27 caps for his national team already.

3. Can feature at lb

Ben Chilwell started last season in brilliant goal-scoring form. But he picked up an ACL injury soon after that ruled him out for the rest of the season. Marcos Alonso was the only other option at left-back and played the majority of the games. Saúl Ñíguez and Christian Pulisic were at times played out of position as the left-wing back but both players failed to make an impression. Nathan Ake has featured in the left-back slot for Manchester City and could provide cover for the position if he signs for Chelsea.

2. Experience at Stamford Bridge

Nathan Ake is a product of the Chelsea academy. He featured for the club cross then 18s, u19s and u23 level. He even made 17 appearances for the Blues across all competitions. Interestingly he registered 2 assists in these 17 appearances. He was not handed a real chance to prove his worth at Stamford Bridge and joined AFC Bournemouth on a permanent basis. But his previous experience playing at Stamford Bridge could play a big part in the defender's success at the club this time around.

1. Plenty of Premier League experience

The Dutch defender has plenty of experience in the English top-flight. His time in the Premier League has been spread across 4 clubs Chelsea, Watford, Bournemouth and Manchester City. In total he has made a total of 169 appearances in the Premier League, recording 15 goals and 7 assists in this time.

Finally, if Chelsea can bring the £41m price tag on the defender down, Ake would solve a lot of problems at Stamford Bridge and be a definite starter in Thomas Tuchel's side.

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