If there is one position where Chelsea need to strengthen urgently this summer, it is centre-back. The Blues have been defensively poor all season. Levi Colwill’s ACL injury played a part in that. But then again, your base cannot completely collapse based on the absence of just one player. That goes to show that the squad planning is poor.
Not only do Chelsea need to add a centre-back or two though, but they need people with experience. Those who can come in and marshal the backline.
Colwill’s return to the pitch is not far away but it is unclear how he will look when he does play again. Will we see the same quality centre-back who helped guide Chelsea to Club World Cup glory? Or will it be a diminished version of him owing to the long-term affects of an ACL injury?
It would be a good idea to have an alternative option to him in that position. And it looks like Chelsea have one on their mind. It is someone who has already played for the club and gone on to achieve great things since leaving.
Chelsea make contact with agent of Manchester City centre-back
According to Simon Phillips in an exclusive report, Chelsea have made contact with the agent of Manchester City’s Nathan Ake.
Obviously, he has not played much for Manchester City this season. And his current deal with the club runs out in the summer of 2027.
So, City might be open to parting ways with him this summer, rather than losing him for nothing a year later. On the other hand, at 31 years of age, Chelsea would hope to land his signature for a very reasonable transfer fee.
Pros and cons of signing Nathan Ake
One has to weigh the pros and cons before making any move. And it is safe to say that Ake is someone who would come with a fair few.
Firstly, he is experienced and knows what it takes to be part of a winning project, having been at Manchester City. He was a nailed-on starter during their Treble-winning season. Also, at 31 years of age, he should theoretically have a decent bit of football left in the tank.
Also, he knows Chelsea well. He was part of the club’s youth ranks at one point in time. And at the senior level, he made 17 appearances before leaving. It would be a homecoming for a six-time Premier League winner.
Then again, there are other areas where Ake could be lacking. He has barely started for City over the last couple of seasons. Is that the answer to Chelsea’s problems? Someone who can’t get into Pep Guardiola’s side in his prime?
He also dealt with quite a few injuries in the 24/25 campaign. So, is he still capable of performing at his best level? Is that why he has not played much for City lately? And if so, how much sense does it make for Chelsea to sign another injury-prone centre-back?
