Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Nathan Ake, Fernando Llorente Rumours
Chelsea recalled defender Nathan Ake from his loan at Bournemouth on Sunday.
The news was revealed in a statement on the club's official website, where it's noted the 21-year-old turned out 12 times for Eddie Howe’s side and netted three goals in the process. Ake was set to spend the campaign with the south-coast outfit.
Squawka Football summed up what was an impressive start to the season for the Dutchman during his loan stint with the Cherries:
For plenty, the decision to bring back the defender will be considered peculiar. After all, Ake had started to cement his status as a regular for Bournemouth, and as the aforementioned numbers illustrate, he was performing well as a centre-back.
Blues boss Antonio Conte has evidently spotted a talent who can make an immediate impact for the league leaders, though. Ake is a tenacious defender, a smart reader of the game and, given he's a left-footed player, is someone who could slot in superbly on that side of the team's three-man defence.
Liam Twomey of ESPN FC suggested some more reasons why the Blues may have opted to bring the young defender back to Stamford Bridge:
While Ake could add some vital depth to the Chelsea squad in several areas of the field, recalling him will be futile unless he gets minutes on the field. In the past, it has been notoriously difficult for youngsters to break into the Blues first team.
The Dutchman is the kind of character who will relish the challenge, though, and the decision to recall him will fill the player with confidence. While Ake surely enjoyed his time at Bournemouth, the chance to play a role in a title challenge at Stamford Bridge will be an exciting proposition.
Swansea City to Reject Fernando Llorente Approach
According to Graham Thomas of the Sunday Mirror, Swansea City are ready to reject any approach from Chelsea for forward Fernando Llorente.
In the report, it's suggested new Swans boss Paul Clement thinks the Spanish sharpshooter will be key to the team's survival hopes, having already netted six goals this term. It's also noted the Blues may be willing to offer Michy Batshuayi to the Welsh club on loan in order to secure the veteran.
At 31, Llorente's best years may be behind him, but he could still be be a fine deputy to star forward Diego Costa.
As noted by football writer David Amoyal, Conte has worked alongside the striker in the past and Llorente was impressive under the coach in that stint at Juventus:
Swansea face a huge fight to maintain their Premier League status, having sacked two managers already this term in Francesco Guidolin and Bob Bradley. They are languishing in 19th place, and it's important Clement adds quality to the squad in the transfer window if they are to pull clear of the relegation spots.
For the player, the prospect of trading a scrap for survival for a title challenge would be tempting, although at Chelsea, he would be acting as a deputy to Costa. At this point in his career, Llorente would surely prefer to be on the pitch getting regular game time rather than sat on the bench.
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