Chelsea desperately needs new centerbacks. It’s the worst kept secret in football after the departures of Andreas Christensen (Barcelona) and Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid). As the Blues get to set to board the plane and head across the pond to the United States for a preseason tour, they still haven’t filled those gaps along the back line. Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta and Malang Sarr also face uncertain futures, which only serves to further fog the picture at the back for Thomas Tuchel’s side. It cannot go into the 2022/23 campaign with what it has now, which is essentially just Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and maybe Levi Colwill.
The unfortunate reality is that the longer this saga drags on, the more the club will have to pay for defenders as the season inches closer. Chelsea is shopping in an already luxurious market. Thus, a spike in the asking price could see the Blues priced out of a couple of their defensive targets. Todd Boehly needs to continue to pursue a deal for Manchester City‘s Nathan Ake, despite the reluctance of many fans regarding the team’s interest in the experienced Premier League defender. A move for the former Chelsea man would be incredibly smart for numerous reasons.
Chelsea should continue its pursuit of Nathan Ake, despite skepticism from fans
Perhaps the most important reason that the Blues should continue to pursue Ake is Tuchel’s interest. The German manager has been keen on working with the versatile defender for years, dating back to the days where he led Dortmund‘s first team from 2015 to 2017. Ake is not seen as a second choice target to the current regime, nor is this a transfer rumor that was plucked out of thin air, as many supporters would like to believe. Tuchel’s interest in the player is long-standing, which is one of the most promising aspects of this deal.
Ake is also very familiar with the operation around SW6. He spent seven years (2011-2017) as a member of Chelsea in one capacity or another. The centerback spent some of that time out on loan, but he still managed to wiggle his way into the matchday squads of some legendary managers. Overall, Ake has spent the last decade—his entire professional career—in England, with many of those years coming in the Premier League. He’s proven in the English top flight, which is another huge positive for the Blues right now as they look to strengthen their defensive ranks after the handful of departures earlier this summer.
While Ake won’t come cheap—he’s had a £40 million price tag put on him by Man City, according to the press—he is a cheaper alternative to many other defenders of his skillset. The 27-year-old brings a lot to the table with his adaptability, which is something that’d benefit Chelsea greatly at this moment in time. He thrives on the left side of a back three (the signature Rudiger role), but he’s not limited to that position. Ake has experience playing in a back four, as a left fullback and even in defensive midfield. He’s a malleable player who could take on whichever part Tuchel needs him to play on a game-by-game basis.
Ake is by no means a ‘sexy’ name to add to the Blues’ back line. He’s a familiar face who’s largely been a role player for his career. However, he’s been solid whenever slotting in at the back for Pep Guardiola’s team. Ake could do a job with Chelsea under Tuchel and if worst comes to worst, he’s a stop gap at left centerback who helps Levi Colwill develop this season. He’s not the most exciting centerback being linked with the Blues, but he makes a lot of sense in the grand scheme of things.
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