Chelsea must make a decision regarding Nathan Ake this summer as the Blues are linked with making a bid for their former defender.
Talks are reportedly progressing over a move for the 27-year-old, who could join with Raheem Sterling this summer.
The most recent reports have stated that a deal for Sterling could be as good as done as the Blues reportedly agreed to offer £45 million plus add-ons for the winger.
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Thomas Tuchel is interested in making it a double swoop, with Ake seen as key to his plans this season.
The Blues must now make a decision on whether to bring back a player, who was previously among their ranks.
The last player that Chelsea decided to bring back to Stamford Bridge was Romelu Lukaku, splashing out on a club-record fee for the Belgian.
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However, this did not work out as he has headed back on loan to Inter Milan for the 2022/23 season.
While Ake would not cost anywhere near the £97.5 million that was forked out on Lukaku, a decision must still be made.
Chelsea do have a new structure in place, one that did not decide to sell Ake to Bournemouth back in 2017, just months after recalling him from his loan spell.
While, at the time it appeared clear that Ake would be suited to Antonio Conte’s system, he was never handed the opportunity before impressing at Bournemouth and earning a move to Manchester City.
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While the Chelsea fan base remain divided on Ake’s return, if Tuchel wants him then he should be made a priority.
The German was reportedly a huge fan of Ake during his time at Borussia Dortmund and could look to strike a deal this month.
Manchester City have reportedly told Chelsea that they must fork out over £50 million to sign Ake this summer, a steep fee for a player who came through their academy.
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However, with Tuchel being given control in the transfer window, a decision must now be made.
Discussions were said to be ongoing for Ake, alongside talks for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, while Kalidou Koulibaly’s agent has offered him to Chelsea.
Two of these names will most likely be part of Tuchel’s side next season, but Ake has something that separates him from the rest.
The defender is left-footed.
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Playing on the left side of a back three appears to be the most likely option for Ake if he is to arrive, something that could give Chelsea a new outlook.
It can be argued that loanee Levi Colwill also possesses this quality, but at the age of 19, can he really be trusted to make the step up with so much pressure on him?
Ake will bring Premier League experience and take next to no time to settle in at Chelsea, having spent the majority of his days in and around Cobham when he was younger.
This experience is something that can aid Chelsea as they look to make up to six signings in the window.
Furthermore, Ake is unlikely to block the path of Colwill, arriving with little expectations. He can also be utilised as a left wing-back, or play at left-back in a four if required.
Ake knows the league, knows Chelsea and having won titles at Manchester City, he knows how to win.
Furthermore, a deal for De Ligt appears to be edging closer and Ake will be a familiar face for the Dutchman.
The pair often feature together for the Netherlands, along with Virgin Van Dijk.
It is time for Tuchel and Todd Boehly to make a decision.
Do they fork out the sum for a Premier League proven international who would jump at the chance to join his former side?
Or shall they continue negotiating drawn out deals for the likes of Kounde, with next to no progress being made in recent months?
It remains to be seen as to what will be decided, but a deal for Ake could prove to be very smart business this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Nathan Ake, Manchester City, Football, Premier League, Thomas Tuchel
Nick Emms