Manchester City Reveal Transfer Stance On Chelsea Transfer Target Nathan Ake

Throughout Pep Guardiola's time as a manager, he has often said that refreshing the squad year on year will ensure a consistent hunger for success.

With two Champions League and four Premier League titles to his name, there has been no reason to doubt him so far.

The Manchester City squad he took over in 2016 is almost completely unrecognisable to the set of players at his disposal today - and that is set for even more change this summer.

On the incomings front, Manchester City completed the £51 million signing of Erling Haaland earlier this month and are also set to welcome Julian Alvarez to the fold for pre-season.

In addition, Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips is expected to complete his £45 million move to the Etihad Stadium in the next week, as the hunt for Fernandinho's replacement comes to a conclusion.

However, constant talk of outgoings is what is on every Manchester City supporters lips at the moment.

Raheem Sterling in England action

The Blues have already lost club captain Fernandinho on a free transfer and are set to say goodbye to Gabriel Jesus - with his reported £45 million move to Arsenal awaiting an official announcement.

There is also the uncertain futures of Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko to solve.

The former is out of contract next summer and is currently assessing his options before committing to his next - and likely biggest - long-term contract.

As for Oleksandr Zinchenko, the Ukrainian international is still under contract at the Etihad Stadium, but may look to move on in search of regular game time or a role in midfield.

Both players have been linked with moves to Chelsea; as has Nathan Aké - who is reportedly Thomas Tuchel's key defensive target.

After losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, the West London outfit are in dire need of reinforcements in that area of the field.

Aké - who broke through the ranks at Stamford Bridge - is hugely admired and his uncertain role at Manchester City may be used as a ploy to lure him away from the Etihad Stadium.

Aké has been strongly linked with Chelsea (Andrew Orchard sports photography / Alamy)

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester City would not consider letting Nathan Aké go if they did not have a direct replacement lined up.

There is interest from Chelsea and new owner Tod Boehly, but City would only let him leave if they could attain a good price and have a like-for-like player available to bring in.

Pep Guardiola's culture of letting unhappy players leave could play a part.

If Nathan Aké were to come to the Catalan with an acceptable offer from the former Champions League holders, it would likely mean that the Dutchman would be allowed to leave.

At this moment in time, no central defenders have been reliably linked with moves to Manchester City. However, that could quickly change if Aké departs in the near future.