Tottenham opinion: Why Tottenham should sign Nathan Ake

According to the Daily Star, Tottenham Hotspur are set to rival Manchester United, Chelsea and Napoli in the race to sign Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake in the summer. The Dutchman joined the Cherries last summer for a fee in the region of about £20million.

Ake has been brilliant for Eddie Howe’s side since making the move and has played 84 games for the club. The Dutchman has played every minute in the Premier League for the Cherries this season and his performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs including Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli.

The report reveals that Napoli lead the race for the Dutch international and have even been in talks with the player’s representative over a summer move.

Ake has been viewed as a replacement to the ageing Raul Albiol and with Kalidou Koulibaly heavily linked with a move away from the club, a move for Ake makes sense for them this summer.

Chelsea, on the other hand, could be the favourites to land their former prodigy as the Blues have a £40m buy-back option in their deal with Bournemouth but Ake is reluctant to return to Stamford Bridge after not getting a proper chance (h/t Daily Star).

If there’s one club who should make a serious move for Ake, it’s Tottenham. According to Daily Mail, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are set to lose star defender Toby Alderweireld to Manchester United in the summer for £26million.

The other Belgian defender in Tottenham’s ranks – Jan Vertonghen will turn 32 next month. Spurs need a long-term addition to partner Davinson Sanchez, and Nathan Ake would be a brilliant fit.

Having missed just 67 minutes of action in 69 games in the last two seasons of the Premier League, Ake is an extremely fit and reliable campaigner. Despite being a centre-back naturally, Ake has the ability to play at left-back and has done so on multiple occasions throughout his career.

This trait will certainly be of use to the North Londoners. with Danny Rose’s form being unconvincing this season.

Ake averages 2.2 successful aerial duels won per game, 1.5 tackles per game and a mind-blowing 6.4 clearances per 90 minutes so far this season. The 24-year-old is a reliable passer too, averaging close to 45 passes a game with over 85% passing accuracy. (WhoScored)

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Conclusion

Still only 24, Ake would be a phenomenal investment and can lead the Spurs backline along with Davinson Sanchez for the best part of the next decade.

Ake would also immensely improve under Mauricio Pochettino like Juan Foyth has in recent games and could stake his claim to be the first-choice defender for his national team next to Virgil van Dijk.