AFC Bournemouth agree deal for 21-year-old Chelsea defender

AFC Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea star Nathan Ake on a season-long loan deal.

The Premier League side, who finished 16th in the standings during their first-ever top-flight campaign, have strengthened with the addition of the defender ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The 21-year-old, who can operate at left-back or in midfield, has made just 12 first-team appearances for the Blues since making his debut back in December 2012.

Ake (Right) spent last season on loan at Watford – Photo: Mark Leech

Ake, who is a Netherlands Under-21 international, scored one goal in 28 games in all competitions whilst on loan with fellow Premier League outfit Watford during the 2015/16 campaign.

The youngster originally joined Chelsea’s youth set-up from Eredivisie side Feyenoord as a 15-year-old back in 2010, before he signed a new five-year deal at Stamford Bridge only last August.

Bournemouth’s chief executive Neill Blake told the club’s official website, “We are delighted to welcome Nathan to AFC Bournemouth.

“For a player of his age he already has great experience in the Premier League and we believe he will bring a lot to our squad.

“He is an international player with great pedigree, so we are really excited to have him join us for the upcoming season.”