Bournemouth's Nathan Ake has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League over the last two seasons. (Getty Images)
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Bournemouth offloading their key star for £25.5m would be a huge transfer blunder by Howe

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Bournemouth opinion: Ake linked with Napoli – should the Cherries sell?

According to a report in Daily Mail, Italian giants Napoli are considering a move for £25.5m-rated Bournemouth centre-back Nathan Ake as a possible replacement for Raul Albiol.

The latter has been on the injury table for some time now and Carlo Ancelotti’s men don’t want to be without reinforcements for next season if the 33-year-old fails to recover in time. (h/t Daily Mail)

For that reason, Ake, who arrived at Bournemouth in the summer of 2017 for a then club-record fee of £20m, (h/t Independent) has been seen as a target. (h/t Daily Mail)

The former Chelsea man has been a consistent figure at the back for the Cherries since. He is now a leader of a back line that needs a player who can guide others.

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Here’s why Bournemouth should do everything to keep their prized asset, at least for the upcoming season:

Bournemouth need experience and quality of Ake

If we take a look at Bournemouth this season, we can figure out what sort of a team they are. The Cherries have scored 53 goals in 37 league games, which is pretty good to finish in the top half of the table.

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However, the concession of 65 goals means they are 13th in the table, fighting to finish in the lower mid-table. Eddie Howe’s men are always an attractive prospect to watch, but keeping the back door open at all times may cost them sooner rather than later.

Hence, they must keep their best defensive players in the team for the upcoming seasons. For that reason, Nathan Ake cannot be let go of this summer.

The Dutchman is probably the best player in the defensive sense for the club. His versatility has been of great use this season as well. The manager has deployed him as a centre-back, left-back and as a defensive midfielder.

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The 24-year-old’s quality on the ball makes him best-equipped to play out from the back. His propensity to be a danger in the opposite box from set-pieces is vital too.

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Conclusion

Therefore, it is clear that Bournemouth selling Ake this summer would be a big mistake. They can ill-afford to do that.