Why Tottenham should make a move for Nathan Ake in the summer

According to Football Insider (h/t The Sun), Tottenham will attempt to sign Nathan Ake during this summer’s transfer window if Bournemouth are relegated from the Premier League. Bournemouth have struggled for consistency this season and are currently 16th in the table, just two points above 18th-placed West Ham who have played a game lesser.

Ake, 24, has made 21 appearances at club level this season, featuring in his team’s last four Premier League matches, having missed the festive period due to a hamstring problem. The Cherries value the Dutchman in the region of £40m, but Spurs believe the defender will be much easier to sign if the south coast side gets relegated, the report adds. (h/t The Sun)

Tottenham have struggled defensively this season, conceding 32 goals in 25 league games so far. They are short of options at the back, as Jan Vertonghen is struggling with form and is out of contract at the end of the season. It remains to be seen whether or not the Belgian is handed an extension. Davinson Sanchez hasn’t been able to hit top form this season and he continues to blow hot and cold under Jose Mourinho.

While Toby Alderweireld committed his future to the club with a new contract last month and Japhet Tanganga has got off to a promising start to his career at Spurs, Mourinho still needs to add an experienced central defender to his ranks. And Nathan Ake would be a smart fit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ake has been a key player for Bournemouth since joining them from Chelsea in 2017. So far, he has contributed 11 goals and five assists in 112 appearances across all competitions for the Cherries. The Dutchman has been a top player for the Cherries over the last two seasons, establishing himself as one of the most solid defenders in the Premier League.

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A centre-back by trade, Ake is equally adept playing at left-back and in a holding midfield role. Being a left-footed player, he would bring balance to Tottenham’s defence. At the age of 24, the former Chelsea man could be viewed as a long-term replacement for the ageing Vertonghen, who endured a torrid time against Southampton in the FA Cup and was subbed off.

Verdict

With Ake really developing into a reliable defender in the last couple of seasons in the Premier League, Mourinho should definitely look to bring him in to solve Tottenham’s defensive woes ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.