Chelsea fail in efforts to re-sign defender

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake will remain at the club beyond this summer, despite interest from former club Chelsea. 

The Blues had been pushing to re-sign their former academy star, but the Dutchman will stay put in Manchester, according to The Athletic.

Ake joined City from Bournemouth for £40 million back in 2020 and the Citizens were looking to recoup a similar fee for the player if they were to sell this summer, but Chelsea reportedly refused to meet their demands and have now decided to look elsewhere.

Thomas Tuchel is in need of at least two central defenders having lost both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, but the Blues look to have signed their first centre-back as a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to be announced on Friday.

Ake will not be returning to Chelsea this summer

The Blues are also working on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe, who worked under Tuchel in the French capital.

Ake, 27, would have added valuable versatility to Tuchel’s backline, as he is able to play centrally, at left-back and also in midfield.

If Ake had joined, it would likely have meant that youngster Levi Colwill, 19, would have left the club either on loan or permanently, however the news of Ake staying put could change that.

The Netherlands international joined Chelsea in 2011 and spent six years with the club before joining Bournemouth.