Transfer Centre

Chelsea to trigger Nathan Ake buy-back clause?

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 March 2019

Chelsea are reportedly considering triggering a £39m buy-back clause in the contract of Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake should their transfer ban be overturned.

Chelsea are reportedly considering whether to trigger the buy-back clause in the contract of Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake this summer.

Ake joined Bournemouth from Chelsea for £20m in June 2017 after impressing during an initial loan spell, and he has since established himself as a key member of Eddie Howe's side at Dean Court.

The Dutchman's form has drawn the attention of some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, though, and De Telegraaf reports that Chelsea are now weighing up the possibility of bringing Ake back to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues included a £39m buy-back clause in Ake's contract at Bournemouth, meaning that the Cherries would have to accept an offer of that sum from the London outfit.

Maurizio Sarri is eager to bolster his defensive ranks this summer, with Gary Cahill expected to leave and uncertainty surrounding the future of David Luiz, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Any move for Ake would rely on Chelsea having their two-window transfer ban overturned on appeal.

The 24-year-old made just 14 first-team appearances for Chelsea during his first spell at the club, while he has turned out 72 times for Bournemouth so far.