Nathan Aké has admitted there were links with a transfer away from Manchester City last summer, but he is 'very happy' that he decided to stay at the club.
In what turned out to be a complete squad overhaul, the Dutchman was one of various players linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
Club captain Fernandinho had already confirmed his departure earlier in the campaign, but some other exits did shock the Blues supporters.
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Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko both completed switches to Arsenal and have enjoyed a fruitful start to life under former City assistant, Mikel Arteta.
As has Raheem Sterling, who swapped the Sky Blue of City for the Royal Blue of Chelsea just before pre-season. Under the new management of Graham Potter, the England international seems central to his plans.
Aké was another player very strongly linked with a transfer - also to Chelsea.
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Stamford Bridge was under new ownership and Tod Boehly was wanting to make a statement by bringing in some of Europe's finest talent.
After losing a host of central defenders, it seemed like Aké was high on the list of potential replacements.
In the end, Chelsea refused to pay City's asking price and the former Champions of Europe moved onto securing alternative targets.
Since then, Aké has re-established himself at the heart of Guardiola's defence and secured a regular starting spot in the team as of late.
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His imperious displays against Manchester United and Southampton have been notable highlights of an encouraging start to the season.
Speaking in a pre-Champions League press conference earlier today, Aké has shone some light on the situation last summer and just how close he came to leaving the club.
"In the end I'm happy to be here," he began.
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"Sometimes these things happen [transfer links and rumours] and in the end I'm very happy that I stayed."
The task to stay in City's defence is perhaps harder than ever this season.
The addition of Manuel Akanji has strengthened an already elite looking defence and made competition for places that little bit more fierce.
Aymeric Laporte has recently recovered from knee surgery and will want to pick up where he left off last season, while Ruben Dias has always been an ever-present since his €68 million move from Benfica.
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John Stones will also look to get more regular game-time when he recovers from a muscle injury picked up on international duty.
Topics: Manchester City, Nathan Ake, Premier League, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Harry Siddall