Nathan Ake looks on his way out of Manchester City this summer after Nizaar Kinsella of the London Evening Standard revealed Chelsea are in advanced talks over a deal. Noel Whelan says a move is necessary for the sake of Ake’s international career but concedes City may be better off keeping him.
The 27-year-old will be allowed to leave City after falling down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola, but Kinsella says the Sky Blues aren’t willing to let him go until they have a replacement lined up. Whelan understands the player’s motivation but questions why City would sell a useful player like Ake.
He told Football Insider: “For your chances of going to the World Cup you’ve got to be playing regularly. That’s the only way you’re seen, scouted and assessed. I’m sure he would like that opportunity to go if it came around, but can (City) really afford to let a player like Ake go?”
Ake joined City from Bournemouth for £41m in 2020, signing a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium. He’s gone on to make 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals, but hasn’t managed to hold down a regular spot.
The Dutch international started 10 Premier League games last season from a possible 38, as Guardiola preferred Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte at centre-back. John Stones is also ahead of Ake in the pecking order, so he’s unlikely to become a regular in 2022/23.
It makes sense to sell players that aren’t getting regular minutes, but Ake won’t be easy to replace as a left-footed homegrown defender with years of Premier League experience. City’s loss will be Chelsea’s gain.