Chelsea Transfer News: Nathan Ake Set to Join Bournemouth in Record £20M Deal

Nathan Ake is reportedly set to move from Premier League champions Chelsea to Bournemouth in a transfer deal worth £20 million.

Ake spent part of last season on loan with the Cherries but is now close to joining the club on a permanent basis, according to Stuart James of the Guardian. This will be a club-record deal for Bournemouth.

Nothing is official yet, but James revealed how close Bournemouth are to a deal for the 22-year-old: "A deal has been agreed in principle between the clubs, leaving only minor details to resolve, with Ake expected to sign a five-year contract inside the next 48 hours and join up with his new team-mates for the start of pre-season training."

The report also noted how the Cherries have seen off competition from fellow Premier League sides Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United. It's a testament to their keenness to land a player who proved his worth on loan last season.

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What makes Ake an intriguing prospect is his versatility; he can play holding midfielder or as a centre-back. The Netherlands international is a burgeoning talent who is also composed and classy on the ball.

Ake's aptitude in possession will naturally appeal to Cherries manager Eddie Howe, who encourages his teams to play stylishly on the deck.

However, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who was also on loan at Bournemouth last season, will not be returning to the Vitality Stadium next season, per James Benge of the London Evening Standard.

As for Chelsea, they will likely miss Ake, who might have provided cover for midfield destroyer N'Golo Kante. He may also have figured as a centre-back in the 3-4-2-1 formation manager Antonio Conte deploys, a role the Dutchman played when the Blues recalled him late last season.

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As James pointed out, Ake will leave Stamford Bridge on good terms, with playing time his motivation:

"Chelsea had no great desire to sell Ake, who joined them from Feyenoord at the age of 16 and has plenty of admirers within the club because of his exemplary attitude as well as his talent, but the Dutchman is desperate to play regular first-team football and the Premier League champions are unable to give any assurances on that front."

Signing Ake is a minor coup for the Cherries, who have already acquired goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Chelsea this summer.