Sources: Man City close in on impressive defender deal after Chelsea interest disappears

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Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake Credit: Alamy
Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake Credit: Alamy

Manchester City are closing in on a new deal for their increasingly important Dutch defender Nathan Ake, TEAMtalk understands.

Ake’s current deal runs out in 2025, but such has been the impressive nature of his season with the club they are ready to reward him.

Former club Chelsea – for whom he previously played on 17 occasions – tried to sign him earlier this season. The Blues were in the market for defensive reinforcements, instead managing to bring in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and Wesley Fofana from Leicester City in the summer, and Benoit Badiashile from Monaco in January.

Whilst their interest has now gone, current employers Man City are delighted with Ake. In turn, they are set to put him on an improved contract.

Reports back in February revealed that Ake’s wages would increase when he does sign a new contract – and that time is about to come.

This season, the Netherlands international has played 36 times for Pep Guardiola’s side, either as a centre-half or as a left-back.

It has already been the busiest of Ake’s three seasons as a Man City player after his transfer from AFC Bournemouth in August 2020.

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Nathan Ake set to see out prime years with Man City

His overall record for the club consists of 76 appearances and six goals. So far, he has won the Premier League twice with the club – and he will be aiming for a third consecutive title this season after Man City moved to within touching distance of league leaders Arsenal with a 4-1 win on Wednesday.

At the age of 28, Ake will be committing the remainder of his prime years to Man City when he puts pen to paper on a contract extension as is now expected.

Compared to Man City’s other centre-backs, Ake has played more than Ruben Dias, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte this season so far. Only summer signing Manuel Akanji has been deployed by Guardiola more times in all competitions.

And Ake has plenty more games to look forward to in Man City colours now that his renewal is close to being finalised.

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