Reports from The Telegraph suggest that West Ham are set to battle it out with a number of Premier League clubs including Southampton and Bournemouth for the signature of Chelsea star Nathan Ake.
The news follows Chelsea’s pursuits of both Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk and Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, as should the Blues be successful in their endeavours with either of the two players, Ake is likely to find himself surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and could leave the club.
The Holland international spent the first half of last season on loan with Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, where he impressed before being re-called by Antonio Conte in January. However, after failing to re-establish himself in the Italian’s side, West Ham amongst others have reportedly stated their interest in the 22-year-old.
The Hammers are looking to strengthen their back line ahead of the new season and have already added Pablo Zabaleta who joined the club after nine years at Manchester City.
The news of the club’s interest in Ake was greeted positively by most fans. Here are some of the best responses from Twitter …
Seen some rumours we're linked with Nathan Ake. Would be a class signing, centre back, left back, defensive midfielder, plays the ball well
— West Ham Stuff ⚒ (@WestHamStuff) June 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/_LDESIGN/status/877971916635635712
Ox is on loan in Germany, Rice will go on Loan. Ake can play CB, left hand side of a 3 & LB. Well worthwhile.
— ⚒️Brownie ⚒️ (@WestHamMatters) June 22, 2017
West Ham FC should buy Nathan Ake from Chelsea on a permanent deal as he is never going to play for them 💯%
— Michael A. Gomes (@MichaelAGomes8) June 22, 2017
Perfect world – Hart. Ake. Turan. Giroud. 😝However defensive we are alright, need a lot more up top & would love Nacho/bats or even Onyukuru
— Adam Kelly (@adampkelly) June 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/Altiscore/status/872129263146856453
https://twitter.com/WestHamerican/status/877963454362943491
now that would be a good move
— Spyinthesky (@spyinthesky) June 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/Penny4641/status/877928932414300160
Would be a good signing. LB & CB cover. Great potential. Might see Cresswell move on following a shocking season.
— Kris Johnson (@kjohno10) June 22, 2017
