Chelsea could scupper PL rivals move for key £40m defensive signing

Chelsea could yet beat Manchester City to Nathan Ake

According to the Express, Chelsea can throw a spanner in Manchester City’s plans by beating them to the signing of Nathan Ake.

The Citizens made a breakthrough in the race to sign the defender when Bournemouth accepted an offer in the region of £40m earlier today.

However, it could all come to nothing if Chelsea enforce their buyback clause for the Dutchman. Chelsea sold Bournemouth the defender in the summer of 2017 following a successful loan spell the previous season. (h/t Express)

The Blues were wise enough to include two clauses as part of that deal. Apart from the buy-back clause it also gives us the rights of first refusal. (h/t Express)

It means we will get precedence provided we match any offer that has been made for Ake. Frank Lampard will be familiar with the Dutchman having been his teammate at the club. (h/t Express)

According to the report, it is unlikely that he will attempt a reunion. The Blues boss is unsure if Ake will significantly improve his backline.

Chelsea have endured a tough season where our defensive inadequacies were laid bare. It is no secret that the backline needs significant reinforcements.

However, it appears Ake is not the man we will be turning to. Lampard’s judgment will have to be trusted because of his personal knowledge in the matter. (h/t Express)

Had Ake been as good as we thought he would be, there would have been no need for us to put off implementing our buyback until a rival made their approach.

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It appears Chelsea will not stand in City’s pursuit of the defender. The Blues will now focus their attention elsewhere in the search for defensive recruits.

But first we have an FA Cup final to negotiate. A win over Arsenal will be our second win over them in a major final in a year. London is blue and it is time we made it clear to our rivals once again.