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Nathan Ake’s odd Chelsea career in new twist with Virgil Van Dijk, Southampton links

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

COBHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Nathan Ake of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 17, 2017 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
COBHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Nathan Ake of Chelsea during a training session at Chelsea Training Ground on January 17, 2017 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea youngster Nathan Ake is the latest to be subject to transfer speculation. The Blues may use him in a deal with Southampton for Virgil Van Dijk.

Transfer speculation has take centre-stage as international football bores millions of viewers around the world. With Eden Hazard being the main story, the latest report claims that Chelsea will use Nathan Ake as a makeweight in a potential deal for Southampton defender, Virgil Van Dijk.

The Metro claims that the Blues youngster may see his Stamford Bridge career end sooner than expected, as the club look to secure one of the most talented defenders in the league.

"Chelsea are happy to allow Nathan Ake to join Southampton this summer if Virgil van Dijk is coming in the opposite direction, reports say…Bournemouth are believed to be keen to bring Ake back to the club, but Chelsea have offered the youngster to Southampton as they line up a £50 million deal for Van Dijk."

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Ake returned to West London in January, having been recalled by Antonio Conte. The Dutchman had enjoyed a decent few months on loan at Bournemouth, where he was playing regularly and helping the Cherries to a series of impressive results.

With the Blues still establishing their lead at the top of the Premier League, Conte recognised a need for defensive cover. Unfortunately for Ake, that meant cutting his loan short to essentially sit on the bench.

The defender has made just two appearances for the Blues this season, both coming in the FA Cup. Given his lack of game-time, he may already be considering his options for next season.

If that is the case, a Southampton switch will be tempting. The Saints have an excellent track record of nurturing and developing future stars, while they have consistently proven to be a competitive team which plays decent football.

The frustration will come on behalf of Chelsea fans. They have become all too used to seeing some of their brightest young talents go to waste. Dominic Solanke is another precious youngster who will likely be departing West London.

With Chelsea running away with the league, can you blame Conte? Furthermore, it may take a year for the Italian’s broader picture for the youth to take shape. Perhaps Conte will be able to convincingly convey his approach to the likes of Ake and Solanke in the summer.

For the moment, though, Ake would be well within his rights to pounce on these rumours and push for a deal.

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