Manchester City Defender High Up On Chelsea's Transfer Shortlist

Manchester City's Nathan Ake is high up on Chelsea's shortlist for defensive reinforcements this summer, as per a new report.

The west Londoners have seen Antonio Rudiger join Real Madrid on a free transfer and face uncertainty surrounding the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.

Thomas Tuchel is set to be handed a £200 million budget to rebuild his squad with up to six fresh additions following the club's takeover by the consortium led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel (centre) celebrates with Mason Mount (right) after the final whistle in the Premier League match (Image: Alamy)

Sevilla's Jules Kounde is a long-standing target for the Blues and has again been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after a deal failed to materialise in 2021.

A new report has mentioned Juventus centre-half Matthijs de Ligt is the leading target for Chelsea ahead of the new campaign, with Tuchel keen on bolstering his backline to bridge the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool.

According to the latest information of Nathan Gissing, Manchester City's Nathan Ake and Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe are high up on Tuchel's wishlist.

Nathan Ake in Manchester City training (Image: Alamy)

Ake has been linked with a possible exit this summer after Newcastle and Eddie Howe were keen on bringing the Dutchman to St. James' Park.

However, the 27-year-old's comments on his immediate future at the Etihad Stadium suggest he is set to stay and challenge for a first-team spot after an encouraging 2021/22 campaign.

Since his arrival to Manchester City from Bournemouth in 2020, Ake has amassed 40 appearances across all competitions for the Premier League champions.

Nathan Ake looks on in Manchester City's home clash against Brighton (Image: Alamy)

Despite being keen on adding Brighton's Marc Cucurella to their ranks, changes elsewhere in defence are not being anticipated at the Etihad Stadium in the summer transfer window.

Ake made 27 outings for Pep Guardiola's side last season and was crucial in filling in for John Stones and Ruben Dias in central defence in the business end of the campaign.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea step up their interest in Ake and if the Netherlands international is tempted by the prospect of regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge.

Nathan Ake away at Burnley for Manchester City (Image: Alamy)

Chelsea are also understood to be eyeing a sensational swoop for Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, who is entering the final year of his current contract.

The west London outfit are close to offloading record signing Romelu Lukaku to Inter on a season-long loan less than 12 months after signing the forward for £97.5 million.

An underwhelming season at Stamford Bridge saw on-pitch proceedings were majorly impacted by events behind the scenes.

The coming months could prove decisive in determining whether Chelsea have the strength in-depth to mount a serious title charge next term.