Chelsea Have Contacted Agent Of Former Player As They Consider Re-Signing Him 9 Years After Letting Him Go

Chelsea have been in touch with the representatives of Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, according to reports.

Writing on his Substack, journalist Simon Phillips said the Blues contacted the Dutchman’s agent ahead of a potential move during the summer transfer window.

Ake is said to be very open to the idea of returning to Stamford Bridge, where he spent six years before leaving for Bournemouth in the summer of 2017.

The 31-year-old has a year left on his contract with City, and he is expected to move on, having only started four league games this season.

Chelsea tried to re-sign him in 2022

Right at the start of the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital era, it looked like Ake would be returning to the club. The Blues held negotiations to sign both the Netherlands international and his then teammate, Raheem Sterling.

While Sterling’s move was finalised, the deal for Ake collapsed, and he ended up staying at the Etihad. Four years later, it seems as though another attempt will be made to get him back to London.

Ake would add experience

It has been reported that the Blues’ recruitment team are seeking leaders this summer with a strong mentality. The City centre-back would certainly fit the criteria.

During Ake’s time at the Etihad, he has won no less than 10 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

There used to be concerns about his injury record, but after having some issues with his foot last season, he has been fully fit throughout the whole of the 2025/26 campaign.

His lack of matches over the last nine months has been down to the selection choices of manager Pep Guardiola. The Catalan has five other centre-halves at his disposal, including Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov.

Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here