Chelsea might have just about wrapped up a £47.5m deal to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, but if reports in recent weeks are anything to go by then he won't be the only players making the move down south.
City centre-back Nathan Ake is wanted by Thomas Tuchel, who is rebuilding his defence after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The Manchester Evening News recently reported that City would only sell Ake to Chelsea if the London club offer around £50m for the defender and if City can find a suitable replacement.
Earlier this week reports emerged that Ake had agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, and that the two clubs were negotiating a transfer fee. Regardless, Ake still showed up for the first day of City's pre-season on Monday.
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However, it now appears that Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, the 31-year-old Senegalese centre-back who City tried to sign in 2020.
Chelsea and Napoli are reportedly set to agree a fee in the region of £40m, with personal terms expected to be agreed soon.
It's certainly an unexpected move that few saw coming. Chelsea could of course maintain their pursuit of Ake as well as signing Koulibaly, but if their interest cools then City's life this summer could become all the more easier.
Should Chelsea make a suitable offer for Ake and City can find a replacement, then the Blues will have to let him go - Ake is keen on returning to his former club and City are not inclined to keep players at the club against their will.
However, finding a replacement for Ake, one who would be content in coming in to be fourth choice centre-back, could prove easier said than done.
Should Chelsea end their interest in Ake and the Dutchman decides that he is best off staying at the Etihad rather than seeking a move elsewhere, then Pep Guardiola can focus on getting his players up to speed in pre-season, rather than on bedding in another defensive newbie.
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