Chelsea consider triggering buy-back clause for former player – but Tottenham are keen
The Blues have struggled defensively this season and are looking at centre-back options, including the possibility of bringing an ex-youth team star back to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are exploring the possibility of re-signing Nathan Aké from Bournemouth this summer, according to De Telegraaf.
With Napoli and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly interested in securing Aké's services - the former reportedly lining him up as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly - the Blues may be tempted to exercise their buy-back option on the Dutch international.
He spent six years at Stamford Bridge, but was left frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.
The versatile defender was sent out on loan three times during his time in west London, to Reading, Watford and current club Bournemouth, where he signed a permanent contract in July 2017.
Any deal for the 24-year-old hinges on Chelsea's appeal on their one-year transfer ban for breaching rules regarding the signing of youth players.
LIST 67 things EVERYBODY hates about modern football
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
‘Ruben is no miracle-maker. This year will be complicated and fans need to be patient, but he’s a perfectionist. He’s amazing at understanding players’ minds’: Manchester United manager will need time to implement ideas, says Amorim's former player
‘Planting that flag at Fenerbahce wasn’t premeditated. It just happened. I had tried to pass it on, but ended up with a place in Turkish footballing folklore’: Graeme Souness recounts infamous act as Galatasaray manager in 1996