The Chelsea defender impressed on loan to Bournemouth and could return to the south coast next season with both the Cherries and Southampton keen.
Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake celebrates his goal against the Saints in December
Chelsea’s Nathan Ake could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Southampton one of the clubs interested, according to The Telegraph.
Ake was recalled by the Blues in January, having impressed during a loan spell at Bournemouth, but has yet to feature in the Premier League under Antonio Conte.
And Southampton, along with the Cherries – who bid £18 million to re-sign the Dutchman on a permanent basis last month (Daily Mail) – are reportedly keen on bringing him back to the south coast next term.
The Saints could lose star centre-back Virgil van Dijk in the summer amid interest from several Premier League rivals, including Chelsea.
And a move to St Mary’s, where two of Ake’s former teammates Ryan Bertrand and Oriol Romeu are currently employed, will likely appeal to the 22-year-old if he cannot break into Conte’s plans.
Southampton’s Oriol Romeu is a former Chelsea player
With Chelsea captain John Terry expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of his contract this summer, The Telegraph adds that Ake could still be offered a new deal by the Blues – although the return of Andreas Christensen from Borussia Monchengladbach may affect his decision.
Would Ake be a good signing for Southampton?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
