Chelsea have reportedly identified Manchester City defender Nathan Ake as a potential summer transfer target.
Despite the club's high-profile takeover having been completed for nearly three weeks, Chelsea are yet to make any first-team additions ahead of the new campaign.
Furthermore, if reports are to be believed, the Blues will soon be a striker short with Inter Milan said to be closing on an agreement with Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian's expected departure would add to Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen having already left on free transfers, effectively leaving Thomas Tuchel in the market for two new centre-backs.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the West Londoners may attempt to rectify the situation by moving to secure a reunion with a former player.
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Di Marzio says that Tuchel is an admirer of Ake, who spent time in the Chelsea academy system and made a total of 17 appearances in the first team before his 2017 exit.
The versatile 27-year-old has since gone on to establish himself as a valuable squad member at Man City, making 40 outings during his two seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
Given his status as backup under Pep Guardiola, there has been speculation regarding the Netherlands international's future, rumours that he has previously played down.
Speaking to NOS earlier this month, Ake said: "Last season (2020-21) was very unhappy due to injuries, I don't really count that year. This season (2021-22) I was really 100% present and I played more. You notice an improvement in yourself, how you play. I felt good.
"I will go into the [new] season with that intention (to play for Man City). I will do everything I can to play even more."
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Tuchel will likely regard the player as the perfect option on the left-hand side of his back three, while Ake is also capable of playing at left-back and in central midfield.
The West Londoners have also been linked with an approach for fellow Man City player Raheem Sterling, who may be allowed to leave the Premier League champions for the right price.
Di Marzio has claimed that the England international could be available for £35m, Chelsea likely to be interested if that was to be the 27-year-old's asking price.
Sterling has just over 12 months remaining on his contract, putting City in a position where they would prefer to avoid risking a key asset depart on a free transfer.
Depending on whether any creative players leave Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks, Chelsea may also attempt to get a deal for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele over the line.
Darren Plant
