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Man City signing this £80m-rated defensive dynamo from PL rivals would be a solution to Guardiola’s woes

Why Manchester City should go all out to sign Nathan Ake in January

According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, Manchester City are being tipped to sign Nathan Ake from Bournemouth in January.

Nathan Ake, 24, spent five years at Chelsea after graduating from the Blues’ academy but only made seven league appearances before joining Bournemouth. He originally joined the Cherries on loan but made the move permanent two years ago after impressing manager Eddie Howe.

The Dutchman has been one of the standout stars in England’s top-flight since joining Bournemouth in 2016. He has gone strength to strength at the Vitality Stadium, establishing himself as a reliable defender in the Premier League.

However, the report adds the Cherries rate Ake around £80million, meaning any deal for the 24-year-old would see Manchester City break their bank in January. That being said, should City go all out to sign the Bournemouth defender?

Absolutely, City should do everything to their powers to get a deal for Ake over the line in January. Just eight games into the season, the Cityzens have already suffered two losses and a draw. That has left the team eight points behind Liverpool in the title race.

Speaking of injuries, City has had a fair share quite early in the campaign. When it comes to defence, the likes of Aymeric Laporte, John Stones and Benjamin Mendy are all on the treatment table. Laporte, who is virtually irreplaceable in Pep Guardiola’s team, is expected to be out until March after a knee surgery. Stones could be back after the international break, while former influential skipper Vincent Kompany left the club at the end of last season.

Injury crisis has left Guardiola with only Nicolas Otamendi as the only recognised central defender. Fernandinho can operate as a centre-back and while he has done a decent job as an emergency defender, the veteran Brazilian’s lack of pace could be exposed by teams who like to sit deep and hit on the break.

That’s why it’s a no-brainer for City to sign a central defender and Guardiola must try bringing in Nathan Ake.

A technically gifted defender who can operate as a centre-back or left-back, Ake has shown that he is comfortable on the ball wherever he has been. The Netherlands international isn’t the most intimidating of the defenders that can bully the opposition with his strength and power, but he is good in the air and has time and again proved he’s excellent in opposition’s boxes too.

The 24-year-old has a good turn of pace and never shies away from putting his body on the line. He has already made over 120 Premier League appearances during his time at Chelsea, Watford and now Bournemouth, meaning Ake has solid Premier League experience.

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Also, the former Chelsea man can fill in at left-back when required, something that could be tempting for Guardiola as Mendy has struggled with injuries since joining the club.

Verdict

At 24, Ake has the potential to be in the City side for seven or eight years. He could truly be an inspired addition to City’s backline if a deal goes through in January.