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Manchester City have opened talks with Bournemouth defender Nathan Aké.
Pep Guardiola has made strengthening his defence his number one transfer priority in the summer, as he looks to close the gap to Liverpool, recognising that City have failed to adequately replace Vincent Kompany who left at the end of last season.
With concerns over what John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi offer, they have been looking at options. Bayern Munich’s David Alaba has been considered, but his wage demands are thought to be excessive.
Another is Napoli’s Kalidou Kalibaly, but the transfer fee is thought to be a stumbling black. Aké may still cost up to £40 million – although that could drop if Bournemouth are relegated – but that is still cheaper than the Senegalese international.
Aké was Bournemouth’s record signing when hen made his loan move from Chelsea into a permanent deal three years ago. The West London club inserted a buy-back clause when they sold him, but that is widely believed to have expired in January.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.