Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake is at the centre of this summer’s first major transfer story. 

WHAT WE KNOW…

A bid of £41 million from Manchester City has been reported by Sky Sports and “has been accepted” the report says.

At time of writing neither club has yet to make any official  comment…

The deal is expected to gather pace now that the offer has been accepted and with Ake keen on a move to the former champions, he will look to further his fledgling career…especially under the stewardship of City manager Pep Guardiola.

AKE’S RISE…

The 25-year-old Dutch International defender has been one of Bournemouth’s most consistent players since his club record move from Chelsea in 2017.

The Dorset based club are set to make a healthy £21 million profit for the their star centre-back.

Ake has made 121 appearances scoring 11 goals in the Premier League during his time at the Vitality stadium, whilst also becoming a key part in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side, partnering the colossal Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of the Dutch defence.

His last appearance came in the 4-1 defeat of Leicester City, where he picked up a knock after throwing himself in front of a Jaime Vardy strike. A vital action which kept it 1-0 at half-time.

He watched on as an unused substitute at Goodison Park as Bournemouth beat Everton 3-1 on the final day of the season……

A result which was too little too late as it couldn’t save them from relegation.

FIRST OUT THE BLOCKS…

Man City’s quick and decisive action just days after the final game of the season, is what many believe to be the beginning of a ruthless summer spending spree.

As a squad overhaul is set to take place this summer, Pep Guardiola will be looking to strengthen his pack. The new season looming just over the horizon, the Premier League confirmed the 12th of September for its new campaign to start.

City will want to strengthen quickly as they aim to mount a serious title challenge and regain their Premier League crown.

HOW WILL HE FIT IN? 

Ake is definitely what Guardiola is looking for…a defender who is comfortable on the ball and with a keen eye for a pass. City often look to build their play from the back… The Guardiola way. 

With the futures of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi in doubt, both having had inconsistent seasons, Ake will likely come straight in alongside Aymeric Laporte.

Brazilian Fernandinho would move back into his preferred role in holding midfield… a role in which City had missed his athleticism and ability to break up play.

A LIFE WITHOUT AKE…

Without their star defender, it now leaves the Cherries with stalwart Steve Cook alongside him promising players such as Chris Mepham, Llyod Kelly and Jack Simpson. They will all look to compete for the centre-back places in the upcoming Championship season.

The agreed upon fee will go a long way to boost the clubs finances and with an expected drop off in revenue due to their relegation from the Premier League, this will be a welcome boost in these testing financial times.

A FAN FAVOURITE…

Fans of Bournemouth will be sad to see Ake leave. He became a firm favourite under Eddie Howe during his time on the South coast, so maybe…just maybe, the fee received will go a little way to alleviate fans fears of a mass selling of their best players. 

Vultures will be quick to sweep in on the now Championship side and fans will hope they can keep hold of their best… with Ake set to leave others may start to get restless and push for a move themselves.

Written by 

Andy Jones (aka the Rambling Ham)