Manchester United and Tottenham are reportedly set to wage a war for former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake, who moved to Bournemouth last year.
According to the Daily Star report, former Chelsea star Nathan Ake is a wanted man in the Premier League. His start at Bournemouth has been solid and it has grabbed the attention of Manchester United and Tottenham. The Premier League giants are ready to go at it in order to secure the defender’s services.
Nathan Ake was one of the few Chelsea academy graduates who got a look-in into the first-team during his time at the club. The Dutchman was impressive throughout his academy days and was solid whenever called up to the first-team. But, it did not quite work out for the youngster, with Bournemouth swooping in to sign him for around £20 million in the summer of 2017.
Ake has mesmerised the onlookers with his maturity at Bournemouth, becoming a key player within the squad. The 23-year-old has also become a regular part of the Dutch National Setup, despite just 7 appearances for the senior international side. Naturally, interest has arrived from the big clubs, with Manchester United and Tottenham eyeing the defender.
Manchester United’s defensive frailties have been laid bare for everyone to see this season. United have conceded a whopping 14 goals in just 8 games so far, with only Cardiff, Huddersfield and Fulham letting in more. Given the fact that the Red Devils had the second best defence of the 2017-18 campaign, the difference is stark and disappointing.
But, Jose Mourinho wanted a centre-back all summer and the lack of arrival(s) in the said position is said to be a major reason for Manchester United’s defensive problems. Nathan Ake’s arrival could solve these troubles. Ake worked under Mourinho during his Chelsea days and could be a potent long-term addition to the squad at Manchester United.
Mourinho has also lamented the lack of a centre-back that has the ability to play the ball out from the back, something Ake excels at. Bringing in Ake would help Mourinho advise his squad to play the ball out from the back without the fear of mistakes.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are looking at Nathan Ake as a long-term replacement for contract rebel Toby Alderweireld. Mauricio Pochettino is willing to sanction a move for the 23-year-old, despite having Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen at his disposal, mainly to potentially replace Alderweireld or to add depth in case he decides to revert to a back-three.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is likely to be well aware of the interest that Ake’s performances have been able to generate. But, the manager sees the former Chelsea star as a key player at the club, a player he hopes to build the squad around.
Nathan Ake is sure to turn heads with his maturity at the back. Manchester United and Tottenham are ready to battle for the 23-year-old. Bournemouth know that retaining Ake will be a tough fight. But, Howe would know it’s one worth fighting.
