Tottenham could add a second Netherlands international to their squad before deadline day
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Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be considering a late summer swoop for experienced Netherlands international Nathan Ake.
The North London side have enjoyed a fine start to the season after securing victories over both Burnley and Manchester City in the opening two matches of the campaign and have recently experienced a major breakthrough in this year’s summer transfer window after agreeing a £51.8m deal to sign exciting RB Leipzig wonderkid Xavi Simons ahead of rivals Chelsea.
Thomas Frank’s pursuit of a No.10 has been well documented throughout the summer months after failed approaches for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, but it’s not the only position the former Brentford man is keen to strengthen as he also looks to add quality to a defence that leaked a staggering 65 goals last season under predecessor Ange Postecoglou.
Ake made his Premier League debut for Chelsea in 2012 after progressing through the club’s academy and has nearly 13 years of top-flight experience. He played at left-back against Frank’s side during a 2-0 defeat but could potentially return to the capital before the end of the window.
Tottenham plot move for Nathan Ake
According to Give Me Sport , Tottenham are working on a deal to try and sign 30-year-old Manchester City defender Nathan Ake before the end of the summer window.The outlet understands Spurs have held talks with the 54-time Netherlands international, who has played alongside Micky van de Ven and potential incoming signing Xavi Simons at international level.
Ake has racked up 236 Premier League appearances over the course of his career, scoring 18 times and making nine assists across spells at Chelsea, Watford, Bournemouth and most recently Manchester City. He’s a versatile defender that can be utilised centrally and as a left-back when needed. He’s an excellent ball-playing defender with great ability to read the game which has made him immensely popular with Pep Guardiola throughout his City career.
Overall, he’s won four league titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and a UEFA Champions League with the Sky Blues while making 146 appearances across all competitions. However, injuries have hampered his progress in recent years, with the defender being limited to just 10 league appearances over the course of last season and it’s suspected Guardiola, who once labelled Ake as an ‘exceptional’ player could consider offers for the Netherlands star as he looks to harness the potential of younger players such as January addition Abdukodir Khusanov.
What would Nathan Ake bring to Tottenham Hotspur?
Tottenham Hotspur’s injury record was amongst the highest in the division last season and it led to an immense drop off in the league, with the preferred duo of Micky Van de Ven and Christian Romero rarely playing together.The alternatives struggled to find the same cohesion and at times the injury position was so bleak that defensive midfielder Archie Gray was forced to play out of position to help cover for the number of missing players.
The signing of Nathan Ake would instantly give Tottenham improved depth in both the centre-back and left-back area while also adding leadership and a proven track record of winning trophies and thriving at the highest level.
Ake has played in big matches such as the Champions League final as well as key matches in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. He’s under contract at the Etihad until 2027 and could potentially be sold this summer before his valuation dips in a year's time.