Chelsea transfer target Nathan Ake has decided to mutually remain at Man City for the upcoming 2022/23 campaign as Todd Boehly did not meet the required transfer valuation in a decision which will affect Presnel Kimpembe, Levi Colwill and others.
Ake had been a top defensive target in Tuchel's £200million squad rebuild, but the £50million quoted by City, who have already sold Raheem Sterling to their direct Premier League rivals, was apparently deemed too excessive in the end for Boehly to pay. This is according to The Athletic, who have reported that the 27-year-old will be part of Pep Guardiola's plans for 2022/23 despite 'strong' interest from Chelsea, who weren't willing to pay up in this situation.
football.london understands Chelsea are about to announce the signing of Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly, after agreeing a £34million deal. Ake and Presnel Kimpembe were meant to be the next through the doors after the Senegal international, but a last-minute decision from the new Chelsea ownership has suddenly thwarted these plans.
READ MORE: Kalidou Koulibaly signs, defender deal - What Chelsea must do before the transfer window shuts
Tuchel will still hope that the Paris Saint-Germain defender will join him in London as the two established a good relationship in Ligue 1 together. Thiago Silva could also play a key part in convincing the Les Bleus international to come and try out the Premier League.
Elsewhere, Levi Colwill, who looked primed to leave amid Ake and Kimpembe interest, could still have some time to try and stake his claim during this pre-season amid the ferocious Premier League competition from the likes of Southampton and others.
Further afield, the Ake news could also impact the likes of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta. The latest reports in the Spanish media indicated that the Blues would not let either go until a suitable replacement was in place. City's No.6 was thought to be this due to his versatility in being able to play multiple positions across the backline.
Could this new development also bring Jonathan Clauss back into the fray? The Lens defender has reportedly been in talks with Marseille after initial interest from Chelsea never fully developed. Boehly will need to act quickly as Man United are now said to be weighing up a move.
Chelsea fans- How are you feeling about this latest Nathan Ake news? Could this be a blessing in disguise like the Matthijs de Ligt stuff was? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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