Bournemouth: Howe plays down Nathan Ake transfer gossip
Chelsea have the option to buy back Nathan Ake for £40million from Bournemouth but time is running out for boss Frank Lampard as the clause expires at the end of this month. The Blues sold Ake to Bournemouth for £20m in the summer of 2017, although as part of the deal a buy-back clause was inserted.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
There are few clubs who are willing to match Christensen’s £80,000-a-week contract.
Christensen is under contract until 2022 and Chelsea have put a £35m valuation on the player, which is also another issue for some of the interested clubs.
AC Milan have made an enquiry about the Denmark international but they favour a loan deal with an option to then buy him in the summer.
While we haven’t yet reached the midway point of the January transfer window, Lampard still has four games to navigate before deadline day, while also sorting out deals for players leaving and joining the club.
Ake is currently out injured, after he suffered a problem with his hamstring at the beginning of December, however, the defender is expected to return in a couple of weeks.
Chelsea transfer news: Nathan Ake is currently injured but is expected back in two weeks (Image: GETTY)
Meanwhile, Lampard is also looking to strengthen his attacking options and is expected to make a second bid for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele.
The club saw an initial bid of £34m rejected by the Ligue 1 club, but they are set to return with an improved offer of £40m, plus veteran striker Olivier Giroud in a cash-plus-player proposal.
But the Blues face some tough negotiations with Lyon, as the French club are determined to hold onto their striker.
However,buy Chelsea have not given up on their chances of signing Dembele, who has scored 13 goals from 27 appearances in all competitions this season.
Chelsea have also tried to hijack West Ham’s chances of signing Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes.
Trending
The Hammers had initially made contact with the Portuguese club over an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy the player in six months' time for £33m.
However, Chelsea then submitted their own bid for the same amount of time, but with an obligation to buy the player for £55m.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham have now revised their initial offer due to Chelsea’s involvement.
Benfica are due to hold a board meeting today to discuss the final conditions of both bids and between themselves and Fernandes will decide on where his future lies.