Bournemouth: Nathan Ake joins training session with club
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe insists he isn’t at all concerned about Chelsea's interest in re-signing Nathan Ake. The Blues are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements this month, with manager Frank Lampard eager to stop his side leaking goals.
The west Londoners are currently eyeing West Ham’s Issa Diop to alleviate his team’s defensive woes, though the Hammers are keen to keep the 23-year-old at the London Stadium.
Should West Ham refuse to part company with Frenchman, Express Sport understands the Blues will turn their attention to acquiring Ake’s services.
Ake, of course, was on Chelsea’s books for five years before they sold him to Bournemouth in June 2017.
Conscious of the fact they may one day want to re-sign the Dutchman, Chelsea inserted a £40million buy-back clause into Ake’s contract - which they are serious about executing.
Nathan Ake is on Chelsea's shortlist of defensive targets (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea placed a £40million buy-back clause in their agreement to sell Nathan Ake (Image: GETTY)
I don’t worry about things out of my control
Eddie Howe on Chelsea's interest in Nathan Ake
Invalid email
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
Howe is well aware of Chelsea’s interest in signing Ake but is more concerned about him regaining his fitness and returning to first-team.
“I’m not going to play games with Nathan,” Howe said. “We want him back, as fit as he can be, to make a difference.
“You have to do what’s right for the team. I don’t worry about things out of my control.”
Ake himself is conscious of Chelsea’s eagerness to reacquire his services but is adamant he’s fully committed to the Cherries.