The Bournemouth ace is reportedly being monitored by “half of the Premier League top six” but Chris Mepham’s Cherries arrival could cause Spurs problems.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake for a number of months now, with the likes of Sky Sports News and the Daily Mail suggesting that the Dutchman is on the Lilywhites’ radar.
Now, a new report in The Mirror has stated that “half of the Premier League top six” are scouting the 23-year-old, while some “major suitors abroad” are also keeping an eye on the player, which begs the question – are Spurs one of those three English sides?
The report also takes a closer look at Bournemouth’s key January signings, namely Dominic Solanke and Chris Mepham – according to the outlet, the former was brought in as “insurance” in case any of the big clubs pounced on striker Callum Wilson.
Likewise, it has been suggested that Mepham, a 21-year-old central defender who joined from Brentford, could have been brought in for the same reason should Ake up sticks, which in itself would prove a huge boost for Spurs were they keen on the Netherlands ace.
Though Ake is undoubtedly a quality player, Tottenham would most likely not pursue any deal until the end of the season, given they have more pressing issues to address, namely midfield and attack, while the defence is in good shape at present – and that’s before moving onto the restricted finances brought about by the new stadium expense.
However, when Spurs took up an extra year’s option Toby Alderweireld’s contract in December, it triggered a £25m release clause which runs from the start of the 2019 summer transfer window until the last two weeks, as per multiple media sources including The Guardian.
Therefore, could the Lilywhites have identified Ake – as the replacement for their Belgian ace? Should they – and indeed would they be able to – move quick in case another of these reported other suitors get in this month, given Mepham is already on the Cherries’ books, thus freeing up Ake to move in January?
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