The Southampton centre-back has been linked with a summer switch to Chelsea.
According to a recent report from the Sun, Chelsea are willing to offer Nathan Ake to Southampton as part of a deal to bring Virgil van Dijk to Stamford Bridge this summer.
There is no doubting Ake’s quality, but the Saints should use Antonio Conte’s alleged interest in one of their key players to get a little more in return.
Here are three other Chelsea players Southampton should consider in any deal for the Dutchman:
Tammy Abraham
If Chelsea really want van Dijk, Southampton should shake things up by asking for their exciting teenage striker Tammy Abraham.
The 19-year-old has been in blistering form for loan club Bristol City this season, scoring 22 goals in 40 matches, and he looks set to become one of England’s most exciting young strikers.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
A loan deal for Ruben Loftus-Cheek should also be on the table, with Southampton knowing the 21-year-old will struggle for game time at Stamford Bridge next season with the Blues likely to strengthen yet again.
A permanent move is surely beyond them given how highly Loftus-Cheek is rated but if Southampton could get him for a year or two it would be canny business.
Ola Aina
While Nathan Ake is a good prospect with growing experience, Southampton should also ask for another Chelsea defender in the form of Ola Aina.
The 20-year-old can play anywhere across the back line and in time he is expected to blossom into a superb defender.
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