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What Conte once said about Ake with Tottenham monitoring defender
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring Nathan Ake with Manchester City open to selling the defender this summer.
Previous reports have claimed that City want £50 million for the Dutchman. But Spurs are clearly on the look-out for a left-sided centre-back in this window. And Ake would tick that box.
He has shown glimpses of his quality while at the Etihad Stadium. But he has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter for Pep Guardiola’s start.
However, Antonio Conte probably knows Ake better than many – despite his lack of game-time. Of course, the pair worked together while the Italian was in charge at Chelsea.
Ake did not get the chance to play a lot while Conte was at the helm at Stamford Bridge. But he was recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth while the Spurs boss was there. And he went on to make a handful of appearances for the Blues.
One of those games came when Everton were brushed aside 3-0. And Conte was extremely complimentary about how well Ake had performed.
“I am very pleased with Ake’s impact – he came on and he looked like a veteran,” .
“He is only a young player. He is showing great commitment, work-rate and concentration when I ask him to play.
“It’s not easy to be used to playing every game for Bournemouth and then arrive at Chelsea and be on the bench or sometimes in the stands. But he understands I trust him. I put him in the semi-final against Tottenham, and I put him today in a moment very important for us.”
Tottenham monitoring Nathan Ake
Ake’s game has certainly kicked on since those comments five years ago. He was outstanding after joining Bournemouth permanently. And his performances prompted City to spend to sign him in 2020.
Tottenham face some competition for his signature. on Tuesday that Chelsea are optimistic of re-signing the centre-back.
Perhaps however, Conte’s interest may throw a late spanner in the works.