Manchester City have reportedly had a bid of £41 million accepted by AFC Bournemouth for central defender Nathan Ake.
City were said to have opened initial talks to sign the Netherlands international before the Premier League was completed, the Cherries inability to beat relegation has all but confirmed the 25-year-old is certain to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer.
Ake was an impressive part of Eddie Howe’s squad throughout the season, with his magnificent performances on a personal ground despite Bournemouth’s drop to the Sky Bet Championship.
Pep Guardiola’s side are believed to be in the transfer market for a centre-back having struggled at back this season with John Stones failing to convince the Spanish manager he is worthy of a place in his team.
With the departure of Vincent Kompany last summer and the unconvincing displays at the heart of defence, the Citizens look set to dig deep in the summer window to add depth to their defence and have identified the Bournemouth star as a good addition.
According to reports in the early hours of Thursday, a fee is reported to have been agreed for the player between both clubs, with the deal expected to be completely sealed in the next coming days.
Ake joined Bournemouth from Chelsea for a club-record fee of £20 million in 2017 and had been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge in recent time. Manchester United were also linked with a move for the well-composed central defender in the summer but their City rivals look to have pipped them to the player’s signature.
During the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, the Dutchman made 29 appearances for the Cherries where he found the back of the net on two occasions. Ake also provided two assists for the team, while helping them keep four clean sheets.
