CHERRY PICKERS Arsenal to battle rivals Chelsea in race to sign £40million Bournemouth star Nathan Ake – but Blues have first option
Posted Friday, January 03, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk
ARSENAL have reportedly entered the race to sign Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake.
The Dutch defender is on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs, having impressed for Bournemouth since his switch from Chelsea in 2017.
Nathan Ake has impressed with the Cherries under Eddie Howe Credit: PA:Press Association
And following the serious injury suffered by Calum Chambers, the Gunners could enter the market for a defender this month - with Ake fitting the bill.
The Telegraph claim that Tottenham, Manchester City and Everton are also monitoring the 24-year-old - as well as former club Chelsea.
The Blues would be in pole position to re-sign Ake, as they possess a £40million buy-back clause.
While Ake still has a number of friends at Stamford Bridge, he is also close with former team-mate David Luiz - now at the Emirates.
Asked on his priorities for the window, boss Mikel Arteta said: "My obligation is to give my opinion on the things we can improve.
"We have some bad injuries with Calum a few days ago, which is obviously going to change our plans at the back. But the reality at the moment is that we are not going to be able to do much."
Another defender that interests the Gunners is RB Leipzig man Dayot Upamecano.
Arsenal have long been a fan of the 21-year-old - but any potential deal is difficult.
The Frenchman is thought to have a £50million release clause in his contract that comes into play in the summer - meaning that Arsenal would have to pay more than that to sign him this month.
Chelsea have a £40million buy-back clause for Ake Credit: Rex Features
With Leipzig currently sitting top of the Bundesliga - and facing Spurs in the Champions League - it will be difficult to convince them to sell.
Bournemouth have pressing issues of their own to worry about - namely staying in the Premier League.
But with Chelsea's buy-back clause lingering, the Cherries could be forced to sell if another club bids north of £45million.
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