Chelsea have recalled defender Nathan Ake from his loan from Bournemouth after the 21-year-old established himself in the first team in the last two months.
Antonio Conte is searching for a wing back in the transfer window and believes Ake can play that position as well as providing cover as a left-sided defender in a back three.
Ake has impressed for Bournemouth since Chelsea loaned him out to them last summer.
The defender has been key to the south Coast’s club fine form this season as they are ninth in the Premier League table.
‘Ake is a really good player and now he’s started to play with Bournemouth and is playing every game,’ said Conte. ‘Honestly, I’m evaluating his situation, because Ake could be an interesting opportunity in this window for us.
Conte told his post-match news conference:
“I called him back because I think he’s showing that he’s ready to stay in the squad of Chelsea. Chelsea is his home.
“In the last season he played with Watford, and this season he was with Bournemouth. He’s shown he deserves to stay at a great team like Chelsea. I’m pleased he’s come back.
“Ake gives me an important option because we are playing with three central defenders. He can play on the left and in the middle. It’s important to see in training sessions if he can also play wing-back.”
Dutchman Ake, joined the Cherries on loan last June, and has scored three times in 12 games for them this season.
Antonio Conte has been considering ending Ake’s loan at the Vitality Stadium, so as to strengthen his defensive options as his Chelsea side look to push for the Premier League title.