Nathan Ake Breaks Silence On Chelsea's Failed Move For Manchester City Defender

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has now spoken out about his failed move to Chelsea this summer.

Since the start of the transfer window, the 27-year-old was heavily linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, where he had previously made 17 appearances.

He left the Blues in 2017 to join Bournemouth on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell on the south coast, before making the move to City in 2020.

Ake has since played 40 matches in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side, and has been able to win two Premier League titles in as many seasons.

Amid the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Chelsea have been keen to invest in new defenders in the transfer market in preparation for the new campaign.

They were seemingly set to sign the Dutchman, but he will now remain at City for the foreseeable future.

When speaking in an interview, as quoted by the Mirror, Ake commented on the failed move back to west London, but insists he remains happy at City.

He said: “I’m very happy to be at the club and 100 per cent focussed.

“I will try to improve and make sure I get minutes, but my focus was not affected by the talk of a move.

“It was all in the holiday period anyway. When I arrived back at the club I was very happy to be there straight away and to see everyone.

“When I started training my head was 100 per cent focussed on City. I haven't really spoken to Pep Guardiola, except about normal stuff like holidays. Just private stuff.

“It's all been good and I'm just ready to kick on. 

“Obviously you get information as well but during this holiday I tried to enjoy it and keep away from it. You only have two-and-a-half weeks or so. It's not easy but I try to do that.”

Nathan Ake made 17 appearances for Chelsea in his previous stint at the club. (Alamy)

Earlier in the month it was reported that Chelsea had agreed a £45 million fee with City for the centre-back, with Thomas Tuchel’s side set to land one of their targets.

However just two days later, they were dealt a blow in the fact that it was revealed he would stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Personal terms were agreed with the player, but the reigning Premier League Champions blocked off any move to Stamford Bridge, therefore not allowing him to follow Raheem Sterling from the blue half of Manchester.

Despite this they have been able to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, and Chelsea are expected to be signing at least one other defender this window.

Jules Kounde has been heavily linked with a move since last summer, but competition from Barcelona has made a transfer more difficult.

It is believed the Blues have agreed a fee with Sevilla for the centre-back, but the latter are now waiting for documentation from the former in order to complete a deal.