Chelsea have reportedly been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.
With a number of hierarchy changes having now been completed, the Blues will now press on with signing new players with owner Todd Boehly taking on the interim role of sporting director.
Boehly is already said to have met Leeds United's asking price for Raphinha with discussions with the player's agent said to be taking place on Thursday.
However, head coach Thomas Tuchel is equally keen to strengthen his backline with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger having departed Stamford Bridge on free transfers.
That double exit has seemingly led to the West Londoners and Tuchel identifying Ake as an ideal addition to the squad, the player capable of playing on the left-hand side of a back three.
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Nevertheless, according to the Manchester Evening News, Pep Guardiola has little intention of parting ways with the squad member unless his own conditions are met.
The report claims that City will demand £50m if Chelsea formally express a desire to secure the services of the Netherlands international.
Furthermore, Guardiola would only give consideration to a sale if he is able to identify a replacement for the versatile 27-year-old.
As it stands, Ake is regarded as fourth choice behind Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones, but he was still used on 21 occasions during a hectic 2021-22.
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Ake also has three years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, leaving City in a strong position when it comes to negotiating a transfer fee.
The player himself commented on his future as recently as June 7, telling NOS: "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."
If reports are to be believed, Chelsea are already speaking to City regarding the potential transfer of Raheem Sterling, who appears likely to move to the capital.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is another City player said to be on Chelsea's radar as they consider alternatives to Marcos Alonso.
Darren Plant
