Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Manchester City defender Nathan Ake amid fears of missing out on Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt has recently emerged as one of Thomas Tuchel's primary defensive targets this summer, but the Blues are now set to face competition from German giants Bayern Munich to sign the 22-year-old, who could cost around £68.9m.
According to the Daily Mail, Bayern have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign De Ligt, as head coach Julian Nagelsmann and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic have held talks with the Netherlands international over a proposed switch to the Allianz Arena.
The report adds that the Blues will now turn their attention to re-signing Ake from Man City, who is valued in excess of £50m.
It is thought, however, that the Premier League champions, would bring in a replacement before allowing Ake, 27, to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Tuchel is expected to recruit at least one central defender this summer, following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectvley.
Chelsea are also interested in Ake's teammate Raheem Sterling, with one report claiming that they are in advanced talks with City to sign the 27-year-old forward, while they are also believed to be keeping tabs on Bayern's Benjamin Pavard.
Oliver Thomas
