Chelsea have let go of yet another promising prospect at the club. This time, Bournemouth have completed the signing of Nathan Ake for a club record £20m fee. At 22, Ake would’ve hoped to be breaking into the Chelsea first team by now, but it seems Antonio Conte has deemed the youngster surplus to requirements, despite being full of praise for the Dutchman whenever he has appeared for the Blues.

Ake spent the first half of last season on-loan at Bournemouth before returning to Chelsea where he made several appearances in their Premier League winning campaign. The centre back, who can also play at left back, is highly thought of by most sides in the Premier League – but none more than south coast side Bournemouth who have broken the bank to sign the defender.

“I had a great time here last season so I’m really happy to be back,” said Ake on his move back to Bournemouth.

“It’s an exciting challenge. Chelsea is a great club and I learned so much there but this is a new step and the right place for me to develop even more.”

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe added: “I am delighted that we have completed the signing of Nathan on a permanent basis. He is someone we know all about, having had a very successful loan spell here last season.”
[Quotes via BBC Sport]

It seems a shame that one of Chelsea’s most exciting youngsters has once again failed to break into the side, but £20m is a lot of money for a player who was only a bit part at Chelsea.

There are rumours that the deal with Bournemouth includes a buy-back clause for Chelsea, something that would be ideal if the player performed in a Romelu Lukaku-esque style during the next few seasons.