Chelsea make double swoop for Sterling and Ake
Chelsea have opened talks with Manchester City over the prospect of a double move for Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake.
Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s co-owner, contacted the Premier League champions yesterday to check on their valuation of the pair, with Chelsea keen to sign both.
While Sterling had emerged as one of Chelsea’s top attacking targets some time ago and has already been contacted by head coach Thomas Tuchel, Ake has moved towards the top of their list of potential defensive signings.
Tuchel was interested in signing Ake while he was in charge of Borussia Dortmund and the fact the 27-year-old can slot in to the left side of a back three to replace Antonio Rudiger, as well as play at left-back and in midfield, is particularly attractive to the German.
Ake also offers Premier League experience, which could be vital given Chelsea have to sign at least two new central defenders this summer. Just as Sterling would be open to a move to Stamford Bridge, Ake is thought to be open to the idea of returning to Chelsea, where he spent seven years after joining as a 15-year-old.
Chelsea have spoken to Juventus about Matthijs de Ligt, but the Italians are holding out for a huge fee, while discussions are ongoing over a move for long-term target Jules Kounde from Sevilla. Were Chelsea to sign Kounde and Ake, then Reece James could start next season on the right side of Tuchel’s back three with the Frenchman playing at right wing-back to give him time to get used to English football. Other than Sterling, Chelsea are interested in Arsenal target Raphinha and Everton striker Richarlison, over whom Tottenham Hotspur have also opened discussions.
The responsibility on Boehly’s shoulders has increased with Petr Cech joining the exodus that has followed the change of ownership. Cech has stepped down from his role as technical and performance advisor, following last week’s departures of Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia. Former chief executive Guy Laurence and ex-head of goalkeeping Christophe Lollichon have also left this summer.
Boehly had asked Cech to stay and help him through this transfer window, but the 40-year-old informed him in a meeting that he felt the time was right to go.
Cech said: “With the club under new ownership, I feel now is the right time for me to step aside.”