Manchester City open talks with central defender over improved contract following Chelsea snub

Nathan Ake is in talks with Manchester City over a new contract after his stellar displays this season, according to a new report.

The Netherlands international, who joined City from Bournemouth in 2020, has amassed 28 appearances across all competitions already this season.

Ake’s versatility and consistency since the start of the season have seen him operate at centre-back as well as left-back, where he has flourished and provided a sense of stability amidst City’s notable struggles in the position.

After being a bit-part player largely in his first season at the Etihad Stadium, the 28-year-old proved crucial for Pep Guardiola’s side in their title run-in and journey to the Champions League semi-final.

The former Chelsea man has enjoyed a brilliant season in the north-west so far and has been one of Guardiola’s most reliable outlets in defence, despite the depth possessed by the Catalan across the backline, bolstered by the deadline day arrival of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

Competition for places is as tough as it gets at Manchester City, who have seen 18-year-old Rico Lewis rise as a key first-team player this season, keeping the likes of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo on the bench for weeks, before the latter joined Bayern Munich on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Ake has remained patient when others have been given the nod but is now fully reaping the rewards as Manchester City search for a third consecutive Premier League title and a maiden Champions League crown this season.

The Dutch centre-half started City’s recent 4-1 triumph against his former side Bournemouth at left-back, playing a key role in the move that resulted in Erling Haaland’s 27th league goal of the season.

According to a new report by Football Insider, Ake has begun talks with Manchester City over an improved contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea were interested in bringing Ake back to Stamford Bridge last summer, with the two-time Premier League winner understood to have been open to the switch owing to the prospect of regular game time.

However, a potential move collapsed and Ake has since starred for City and is on course to enjoy his best season in sky blue.

Despite Ake’s convincing showings on the left side of defence over the last two years, City could look to re-enter the market for a natural left-back at the end of the season after Sergio Gomez’s struggles since he joined from RSC Anderlecht last summer.