Chelsea’s buy-back clause for Nathan Ake is reportedly close to expiring

A clause allowing Chelsea to re-sign Nathan Ake from AFC Bournemouth is reportedly set to expire in the summer of 2020. Ake joined Bournemouth on a permanent £20million deal in June 2017 after having a six-month loan spell at Cherries the previous season. For Eddie Howe’s side, Ake has featured more than 100 times. Manchester City reportedly interested in making a move for the 24-year-old but Chelsea are believed to be in pole position to sign Ake. Chelsea have inserted a £40million buy-back clause in the deal to sell the Dutch to Cherries. However, according to the Atheltic, that clause due to expire next summer, meaning their final chance to utilize the option will be in the forthcoming January. Speaking last week, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said: "In terms of the back four, the defence that we have I am very happy and again, it wouldn’t be anything I consider until I feel otherwise." Asked how clever it was from the Blues to insert a buy-back clause for Ake, Lampard added: “I don’t know how clever it is. It is what it is. Nathan came through here and when he has gone to Bournemouth to be able to play regular football, I think he has done fantastically well. He’s showed himself a really good defender in the Premier League there.” Source-BournemouthEcho

The Key positions Chelsea must strengthen in January according to ex-Spurs man