AFC Bournemouth's Nathan Ake expected to join Manchester City in £35million transfer (The Guardian)

Manchester City are close in agreeing a deal to sign Nathan Ake from AFC Bournemouth.

As Pep Guardiola accelerates a rebuild of City's defence following an unsuccessful defence of their Premier League title, it is believed Ake will become a key recruit for a fee in the region of £35million.

Ake has been strongly linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, the club he left to join Bournemouth for £20million in 2017 after a handful of first-team appearances.

Despite Bournemouth's recent struggles, the 25-year-old Netherlands international's reputation remains high.

Ake is under contract until 2022 but there is a realisation at Bournemouth that he will depart when this season concludes.

The player's impending arrival will increase speculation regarding Guardiola's existing centre-backs, including John Stones. Mikel Arteta could be alerted to the availability of a player he knows from his coaching time coaching at City.

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