Chelsea make surprise move for Bournemouth's Nathan Ake

Chelsea are reportedly keen to bring Nathan Ake back to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £40 million.

The Bournemouth defender left Chelsea in 2017 after he had spent the first half of the season on loan at the south coast club.

Ake could never force a way into the first team at Stamford Bridge with Bournemouth paying a then club record £20m for his services.

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The ten-cap Dutch international has featured in all 22 of Bournemouth’s matches this season, netting on three occasions.

Manchester United, Manchester City have both been linked with Ake this season, while Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be interested in him.

However, Chelsea inserted a buy-back option on the Netherlands ace, and still regard him as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

And with Gary Cahill likely to depart the club this month and David Luiz 32 and out of contract at the end of the season, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri will be in the market to bolster his backline.

Reports in Brazil claim Luiz is weighing up a return to Portuguese giants Benfica, and that he could sign a pre-contract agreement in the next few weeks.