Eddie Howe : “Nathan Ake is not going back to Chelsea”

Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge but Eddie Howe has debunked the rumour.

The versatile centre-back joined the Vitality outfits in the summer of 2017 in a deal which was said to have worth £20m and he’s been doing fine with the team.

After spending some close two seasons with the Cherries, reported broke out last week that Maurizio Sarri is interested in re-signing Ake a the ongoing transfer window. The report said Sarri is impressed with the Belgian’s abilities to read dangers and nip them by the bud.

However, Eddie has reportedly told Chelsea to look elsewhere because Ake is not for sale.

Howe, whose team are far from their best, said he’s happy with the player’s attitude on and off the pitch and he wants to have him around for more seasons.

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“We love working with him and we think he has got outstanding attributes. He’s getting better and better in his position, ” he said.

He admitted Ake is better than who he was during his days at Stamford Bridge, hence, he has no reason to part way with him at this crucial stage of the season.

He ultimately debunked the report as he claimed it was a mere rumour because Chelsea has never submitted an offer to him, neither has the player told him his desire to leave the Vitality stadium.

“The speculation, as it has been all January for us, has been purely that, as with all our players. We’ve had no contact from any other club, so it’s business as usual,” he concluded