TBR view: Arsenal must make move for Ake, Stones deal looking unlikely

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Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Manchester City defender John Stones. The Daily Mail has claimed that City will resist any advances for the England international this month. The Gunners are still in need of reinforcements at the back and should consider a move for Nathan Ake.

The Bournemouth defender has been increasingly impressive since his permanent move from Chelsea in 2017. His former club reportedly had the option of a £40 million buy-back clause, but have chosen not to make use of it. Sky Sports have confirmed that Chelsea have ended their interest in the Netherlands international.

This leaves Arsenal free to make a move for his signature. The Gunners defence has come in for criticism this season and rightfully so. They have conceded 31 goals in 22 Premier League games and are currently sat 10th in the Premier League with over half of the season gone.

Arteta will want to make some improvements to the Arsenal team he has inherited and the clear weakness is defence. David Luiz joined the club from Chelsea in the summer but is inconsistent and does not have a reliable partner at the back which he needs to thrive.

Ake could prove to be exactly what Arsenal need. The 24-year-old reads the game very well and is relatively comfortable with the ball at his feet. He would suit Arteta’s style of play and would sure up their shaky backline.

However, the transfer fee will not be cheap. The club will need to be willing to pay a fair bit more than the £4o million that Chelsea could have secured his services for.