Chelsea locked in talks to sign Dutch defender

Chelsea are locked in negotiations with Manchester City for defender Nathan Ake, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano claims.

The Blues are keen on landing a new central defender this summer, and it appears Ake is currently the prime transfer target.

The Dutchman started his career with the club, and the Blues are now keen on reacquiring his services from the English champions.

Personal terms have already been agreed with the 27-year-old, and Romano reports that the Blues are still negotiating with City.

City have been reluctant to lose Ake this summer, but are now willing to sanction his sale if they receive around £41 million.

Even then, his transfer could be held up for a while until Pep Guardiola's side find a suitable replacement in the transfer market.

RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol has emerged as a top target for City this summer, but it is unclear whether the German side will sell him.

Chelsea were also linked with Gvardiol earlier in the transfer window, but were unable to persuade Leipzig to negotiate for the player.