Nathan Ake arrives for medical as star snubs rivals to seal huge move

Nathan Ake

Manchester City are expected to seal the signing of Nathan Ake this week after the defender arrived in the city for his medical.

The defender is expected to be the first name departure at Bournemouth this summer following their relegation.

Linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, it was City who made their move for Ake last week. They struck a £41m deal with the Cherries to sign the Dutchman.

United and Chelsea appear to have passed up on that chance to match City’s bid, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side in the clear to complete the deal.

Now Ake is set to become the Cityzens’ second capture this summer, after they bought Ferran Torres in a £20.9m deal from Valencia.

According to Sky Sports, Ake has now arrived in Manchester to undergo a medical ahead of signing on the dotted line. The 25-year-old is expected to sign a four-year deal at the Etihad.

The deal will also complete a memorable few days for Ake. He has just returned from holiday where he got engaged to his partner.

City had long been rumoured to be targeting central defensive reinforcements in the current window.

A host of superstar names had previously been touted, including an ambitious swoop for one of the world’s leading defenders.

 

Aymeric Laporte’s lengthy injury hampered their defensive solidity, while Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones fell below par in the Spaniard’s absence.

Fernandinho was often played out of position, and even youngster Eric Garcia was given an extended run in the team.

But now it appears Dutchman Ake will be the man tasked with shoring up City’s defence.

City will hope to retain Garcia’s services, amid claims he has been approached over a return to Barcelona.

 

Torres explains City move

Ferran Torres

Torres, meanwhile, has spoken of his delight after becoming City’s first signing of the summer.

The 20-year-old has signed a five-year contract, for a reported initial fee of £20.9million.

“I am so happy to be joining City. Every player wants to be involved in attacking teams. Manchester City are one of the most attacking in world football,” he said.

“Pep encourages a really open, aggressive style, which I love. He is a manager with a proven track record of improving players. To have him overseeing my development is a dream.

“City have won plenty of trophies in the last 10 years. I hope I can play a role in continuing that success.”

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