According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham are interested in signing Nathan Aké from Manchester City as the Citizens try to buy Harry Kane.
The Dutchman could be used as a makeweight in Manchester City’s pursuit of Kane, as too could Gabriel Jesus.
Tottenham are particularly keen on Aké, and rightly so.
The north Londoners had issues at centre-back this season, lining up with many different combinations who all struggled to gel.
Spurs have Davinson Sánchez, Joe Rodon, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier, but none of them can be considered as outstanding options anymore.
In that respect, Aké is a necessary purchase.
One man who’s a big fan of the former Chelsea defender is Pep Guardiola, who paid £40 million to sign him from Bournemouth back in the summer.
What has Guardiola said about Aké?
Speaking after Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, the Spaniard said: “He was one of the reasons I am so personally satisfied.
“I love the nice guys and he is one of the nicest but he struggled a lot this season with injuries.
“I am pleased for all of us. Defensively he was incredibly focused, defending the ball like it was his last in his life. We need him to maintain rhythm and no injuries.”
Surely Aké wants to move?
As things stand, the 26-year-old hasn’t kicked up a fuss about his lack of playing time at the Etihad Stadium.
In our view, however, he would surely like to see more action.
The £92,308-a-week man made just nine Premier League appearances this season, which isn’t enough for a player of his ability.
He’s in his prime years, and you’d have to ask questions about a player who’s happy to spend those years on the bench.
The Citizens have Rúben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte to compete with Aké, all of whom are among the best centre-backs in Europe.
Surely, Aké would be interested in a starring role at Tottenham.
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