Frank Leboeuf has claimed that he is ‘very surprised’ there is a ‘£50 million transfer fee’ on the head of Chelsea and Newcastle United transfer target, Nathan Ake, as he told ESPN.
The former World Cup winner urged Manchester City to ‘calm down’ regarding the fee they want for Ake, with the possibility that Chelsea are winning the race for the centre-back.
Ake isn’t first choice at the Etihad, with John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias the men in front of him, including, at times, Fernandinho last season, but he has since left.
Therefore, during a World Cup year, it isn’t a surprise that he is looking for game time elsewhere, with his former boss Eddie Howe keen to bring him on board at St James’ Park, as well as his former club in Chelsea.
When Leboeuf was asked about the Ake rumours, he seemingly warned Chelsea about re-signing the player and used Romelu Lukaku as an example.
“I am very surprised,” said Leboeuf. “It’s like the same story with Lukaku. You want him. He doesn’t settle down very well, so you put him on loan.
“Then, he goes to Manchester City for a reason I don’t know still because maybe he wasn’t the first choice. But he does well for a number two in some positions.
“And he would go back to Chelsea for £50 million? You have the example of Lukaku and it didn’t work. You have so many examples of players who wanted to come back and it never worked.
“We saw it with Pogba and Manchester United. We will see what happens with Pogba at Juventus. We have so many examples of players going back to their former clubs and not doing great. Maybe something to warn Chelsea to not get him.
“Ake is a good player, but £50 million?! Come on Manchester City calm down a little bit.”
WHO SHOULD AKE SIGN FOR?
Newcastle have well and truly changed their backline since January, including adding Sven Botman to their ranks this summer.
Does Howe want to add another fresh face to his backline, especially after signing Dan Burn in January, added with the impact the Englishman had on Tyneside?
Well, depth is needed at St James’ Park, as Howe tries to move the club forward, they are aiming for Europe, but a top ten finish would be more than accepted by the fans next season.
Nonetheless, as for Ake, possibly heading back to Stamford Bridge might be his best bet, especially given that Thomas Tuchel is in need of centre-backs.
Antonio Rudiger’s exit has left a big void at the back for Chelsea, with the West London club yet to replace the Germany international despite pre-season already underway.
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