According to a report by Football Insider, Everton, West Ham United, and AC Milan are keen on signing Nathan Ake. However, a deal will not materialise in the winter transfer window, as Manchester City will not entertain any offers for the versatile Dutch defender amid an injury crisis at the Etihad.
Nathan Ake has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in a deal worth £40 million in August 2020. While the 30-year-old has been solid at the back for the Citizens, he has been in and out of the starting lineup in the last half a decade, with his game time reducing this term. Nevertheless, the Dutchman has been a utility man for Manchester City due to his ability to play as a centre-back and a left-back.
Ake has made over 150 appearances thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with ten goals and three assists. However, the lack of regular game time has compelled the versatile Dutch defender to consider his future at the Etihad. The Netherlands international has no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature, with AC Milan, Everton, and West Ham United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
West Ham United will dip into the market for a centre-back in the winter transfer window, as Max Kilman faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium amid his links with Crystal Palace. Additionally, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo have struggled to make their mark. So, Ake is a viable target for West Ham.
Meanwhile, AC Milan’s interest in Nathan Ake is understandable. While Massimiliano Allegri has a stacked central defensive unit, he wants more quality at the back to sustain the challenge of competing for the Serie A title in the 2025/26 season. Several candidates, including Axel Disasi, have thus emerged on AC Milan’s wishlist, with Ake also an option worth considering.
As for Everton, Jarrad Branthwaite has struggled with fitness issues this season. So, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have been the only centre-backs in David Moyes’s squad, with Jake O’Brien primarily playing as a right-back. So, Ake has emerged as a viable target for Everton.
Recent reports have claimed that Ake is ready to leave Manchester City in the winter transfer window. However, the latest update has revealed that Pep Guardiola has pulled the plug on the 30-year-old Dutchman’s departure amid an injury crisis. With several centre-backs in the treatment room, Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne started as the two centre-backs in City’s most recent clash. So, a January exit is not on the cards for Ake.
