Manchester City 'warn interested clubs off Nathan Ake'

Manchester City have reportedly made it clear to interested clubs that Nathan Ake will not be allowed to leave the club during the January transfer window.

The Netherlands international was strongly linked with a return to Chelsea over the summer, but a proposed move to Stamford Bridge ultimately broke down.

The 27-year-old has been a regular for Man City this season, making nine appearances in all competitions, including six in the Premier League, with the Dutchman proving to be an important player this term.

The Citizens boosted their defensive options over the summer with the acquisition of Manuel Akanji, but John Stones and Aymeric Laporte have both had their injury problems this term.

According to 90min, Inter Milan, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are among the clubs to make contact with Man City to register an interest in the defender.

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However, the report claims that Man City have made it clear Ake will not be leaving at the start of 2023 due to his importance to the side.

The defender has played the full 90 minutes in his side's last two Premier League games against Manchester United and Southampton, but he was only a late substitute against Copenhagen in the Champions League earlier this week.

Speaking ahead of the European contest in Denmark, Ake said that he was "happy" to be at the Etihad Stadium and is confident that he can continue to be an important player for the club.

"In the end I'm happy to be here. Sometimes these things happen [transfer links and rumours] and in the end I'm very happy that I stayed. You have to learn, and I have learned a lot over the years. It's interesting and I had to get used to it in the first season but now I know it," he told reporters.

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"My first season wasn't great anyway because of injuries - there was a lot of stop and start so it was difficult. In the second season, you get used to it, knowing the kind of squad we have, the manager uses all the players.

"Maybe you have to get used to it - but I think it can only benefit and help you play. The more you play, the more comfortable you get and the better you get. It's only a good thing. So far [this season] I am happy. I played a few games than got a setback, but thankfully it wasn't too bad.

"I feel I am progressing well and hopefully it can continue like this. I am happy to be here."

Ake made the move to Man City from Bournemouth in 2020, and he has represented the Citizens on 49 occasions in all competitions, scoring four times in the process.

The Dutchman still has another three years left to run on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, meanwhile, placing Pep Guardiola's side in a strong position to keep hold of him amid the growing interest.