Chelsea are in ‘advanced talks with Manchester City over deal to re-sign Nathan Ake’

Nathan Ake could make a sensational return to Chelsea this summer as the Premier League giants are said to be ‘in advanced talks’ with Man City over a potential deal.  

The Blues have stepped up their pursuit of Ake amid fears Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt could choose Bayern Munich over a move to Stamford Bridge. 

Chelsea are also said to be considering a move for Sevilla centre back Jules Kounde – who they came close to signing last summer, according to The Times. 

Chelsea are ‘in advanced talks’ with Manchester City over a deal to re-sign Nathan Ake

Thomas Tuchel is eager to add defensive reinforcements to his squad for the 2022-2023 campaign after Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger left this summer. 

Chelsea identified De Ligt as their primary target for the current window and even offered Timo Werner as part of the deal.

However, they were unable to reach an agreement with Juventus. As a result, Bayern Munich have now overtaken the Blues in the race to sign De Ligt.

Therefore, Tuchel has turned his attention to Ake – who is said to be open to a return to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have turned their attention to Ake as they are concerned Matthijs de Ligt (left) could choose Bayern Munich over Stamford Bridge 

Thomas Tuchel is eager to reinforce his defensive line ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign  

Ake joined Chelsea as a youngster in 2011 and remained at the club until 2017, taking in a series of loan spells. 

In total Ake made 17 senior appearances for Chelsea and won the Europa League and the League Cup.

A move to Bournemouth followed before Ake signed for City in 2020. He played just 14 Premier League games for Pep Guardiola’s side last season.

However, bringing Ake back to Stamford Bridge may not be straightforward as City are warning Chelsea that they have no plans to sell him.

Chelsea are also looking to sign Ake’s Manchester City team-mate Raheem Sterling

Sterling is hoping to obtain more regular game time in the biggest fixtures which could not be guaranteed to him by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in recent seasons at the Etihad

Nevertheless, Ake may look to push a deal over the line as he is looking to increase his pitch-time ahead of the World Cup later this year. 

Chelsea are also looking to secure the services of Ake’s Manchester City team-mate, Raheem Sterling. 

Sportsmail recently reported that the England forward had finalised a contract with Chelsea worth £315,000-a-week. 

Sterling enjoyed seven trophy-laden seasons at the Emirates after joining from Liverpool

The clubs are still said to be negotiating a fee — which is expected to be around £55m. However, Chelsea want to wrap up a deal before they fly to the USA on Saturday for their pre-season tour. 

 Sterling’s desire to leave City was driven by a demand for more game time in the biggest fixtures, something City manager Pep Guardiola could not guarantee, but the relationship is ending amicably.

It is believed that City formally discussed Sterling’s desire to bring an end to a stellar seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of the June during a conversation led by the England international.