Chelsea can still sign Premier League defender for £40m

Chelsea are still understood to have the buy-back option to sign Nathan Ake from Bournemouth.

The Dutch defender was linked with a mid-season move to Stamford Bridge, given the Blues had included a £40m buy-back clause during his sale to the Cherries three years ago.

It was recently claimed that the option had expired at the end of January but The Sun claims that the west London giants still have the chance to trigger the valuation during the summer transfer window.

The versatile defender has made 22 appearances for the Cherries this term and has contributed two goals and an assist. He was linked with a move to Arsenal last month but the Gunners decided to pursue loan deals instead.

Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares were recruited by the north London side to reinforce the defence on temporary deals but the club have the option of negotiating permanent contracts with both of those players.

Ake is capable of playing at either left-back or centre-back and the Blues are currently keen on strengthening the former of those positions with both Marcos Alonso and Emerson failing to impress this season.