Chelsea have reportedly decided against triggering their £40million buy-back option for Nathan Ake.
The Blues have been on the lookout for defensive reinforcements this January and had been weighing up a move for the 24-year-old Bournemouth defender.
Ake left Chelsea to join Bournemouth in a £20m deal back in 2017 and has established himself as a regular at the back for Eddie Howe’s side.
The Netherlands international is capable of playing at full-back and at centre-back and Frank Lampard believes his versatility would be a major asset to his squad.
However, according to Sky Sports, Chelsea have dropped their interest for the time being and are exploring alternative options before the transfer deadline on January 31.
The report adds that Chelsea have cooled their interest in Ake’s Bournemouth team-mate Callum Wilson, another player on the club’s radar in recent months.
The 27-year-old England striker has been in poor form for the Cherries and has only managed five goals in all competitions since the start of the season.
Ake, who made his return from a hamstring injury last weekend, has remained tight-lipped amid the speculation surrounding his future.
And Bournemouth manager Howe insists the Dutchman will be going nowhere this winter.
‘There is nothing to reply,’ Howe said earlier this month when asked whether Ake would be on the move.
‘He is recovering well from his injury, we will see when he is back fit.’
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