Ake is wanted by several sides (Picture: Getty)

Bournemouth signed Brentford’s Chris Mepham this month amid increasing concerns they could lose Nathan Ake, reports say.

Centre-back Ake is being targeted by a host of Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

Bournemouth signed Ake from Chelsea in a £20million deal just 18 months ago, but the Blues are thought to be keen to bring the 23-year-old back to Stamford Bridge.

Ake has impressed in the heart of Bournemouth’s defence and Chelsea are now convinced the defender can make the grade at the club.


The Mirror claim Bournemouth are increasingly resigned to losing Ake and signed a new centre-back this month as a precaution.



The £12m signing of Welshman Mepham was to ensure there would be cover in defence should Ake leave, as Bournemouth battle to keep hold of Ake and forward Callum Wilson.

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Ake has suitors abroad, and a bidding war could erupt should Chelsea and United submit offers.

David Luiz, 31, and Antonio Rudiger, 25, are Chelsea’s current first-choice centre-back pairing.

Chelsea have already had a busy transfer window with the signing of Christian Pulisic and Gonzalo Higuain.

Ake was sold to Bournemouth by Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Pulisic will not arrive until the summer, while the addition of Higuain is expected to trigger the exit of striker Alvaro Morata.

Maurizio Sarri issued a public plea to the Chelsea board for reinforcements this month, and will be pleased the club granted his request to sign Higuain.

The Argentine forward could make his debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

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