Chelsea Plan First Official Offer For Manchester City’s Nathan Ake

Chelsea are preparing their opening offer for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, according to a new report.

The Blues are eyeing defensive reinforcements this summer after Antonio Rudiger left on the club on a free transfer to join Real Madrid.

Andreas Christensen looks set to leave too whilst uncertainty looms over Cesar Azpilicueta's future at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing campaign.

Todd Boehly, part of the consortium that owns Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge (Image: Alamy)

Under the ownership of the consortium led by Todd Boehly, Chelsea are seeking to strengthen their squad and get majority of their transfer business sorted before they head to the United States for pre-season in July.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling has emerged as a serious target for the west Londoners, who are keen on closing a deal for the 27-year-old in the coming week.

There has also been interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake, both of whom have been linked with potential exits from the Etihad Stadium ahead of the new campaign.

Raheem Sterling in action for Manchester City against Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium (Image: Alamy)

Chelsea have maintained their interest in Sevilla's Jules Kounde, who was heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge last summer.

Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt has also been monitored but reports have recently mentioned that Nathan Ake has risen as Chelsea's priority target to replace Antonio Rudiger on the left side of their back three.

Ake, who joined Manchester City for £41 million in 2020, was crucial in filling in for Ruben Dias and John Stones at key stages of the past season as Pep Guardiola's side retained the Premier League title.

Nathan Ake in Manchester City training (Image: Alamy)

The Netherlands international has attracted interest from Newcastle this summer, with former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe eyeing a reunion with the 27-year-old at St. James' Park.

However, despite having been fourth choice at centre-back in Manchester, Ake was believed to stay put off the back of an impressive season, where he amassed 27 appearances across all competitions for City.

The past week has seen interest rise at Stamford Bridge in Nathan Ake, who is now understood to be open to a return to west London, where he spent six years during his early years in England.

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake celebrates after scoring against Leeds United

Thomas Tuchel is believed to have held a liking for Nathan Ake, who has three years remaining on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City have set a sizeable asking price for the Dutchman as sources have revealed the club have no intention of selling Ake this summer.

It has further been stated that City will only consider sanctioning a sale for Ake for a standout offer and only if they have a direct replacement lined up for the centre-back.

Nathan Ake in Champions League action for Manchester City (Image: Alamy)

According to a new report by Bobby Vincent of Football London, Chelsea have made a proposal to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City this summer.

The Blues are set to table an official opening offer worth £30 million for the City defender and are interested in bringing Ake back to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal.

However, it is highly likely Chelsea will have to raise their initial bid significantly for City to even entertain an approach for a key squad player on a long-term contract.