Report: Bournemouth will seal deal for Chelsea defender

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Nathan Aké has been a major target for Bournemouth since his loan deal from Chelsea ended in January, and the club are now expected to get their man.

Nathan Ake is expected to sign for Bournemouth in July

The Sun revealed on Sunday that Nathan Aké would be joining AFC Bournemouth, with the Cherries having upped their bid since their initial approach earlier in the year. The national paper’s source said: “The deal should be done when the player gets back form his holiday next month.”

Bournemouth are expected to secure the highly-rated Dutch defender having increased their bid from £18 million to £20 million, the paper reported. This would be a new club record-signing for the south coast club, beating the £15 million the BBC reported the club paid for Jordan Ibe last summer from Liverpool.

Aké became a regular starter in Bournemouth’s games during November to January when the Cherries’ form and results saw a significant up turn. While Aké played two first team matches in the league for Chelsea last season, he has been a peripheral figure at Stamford Bridge and has been on loan the last two seasons at Watford and Bournemouth.

Nathan Ake found it hard to break into the title-winning Chelsea team

Aké, 22, isn’t just a great addition for his defensive qualities – as he scored three goals for Bournemouth when he was on loan in the first half of last season, including a memorable winning goal in the 4-3 comeback against Liverpool at Dean Court.

Aké formed a strong partnership with Steve Cook, 26, while he was playing at Bournemouth. Cook has also signed a new contract this summer with the Cherries. Competition for places will be stiff in Bournemouth’s central defence as they also have captain Simon Francis, 32, and Tyrone Mings, 24 on their books.

Nathan Aké very quickly became a fans’ favourite at Dean Court

The Cherries have already signed Asmir Begovic from Chelsea this summer, and manager Eddie Howe is keen to bolster the team’s defence after the side conceded 67 goals the last two seasons.

While Bournemouth also made enquiries about John Terry over the summer, it looks likely that the former Chelsea captain will be headed to a Midlands’ club with both Aston Villa and Birmingham City chasing his signature.