Manchester City 'step up Nathan Ake contract talks'

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to accelerate contract discussions with Nathan Ake, with the club determined to sign the defender to a new long-term deal.

The 28-year-old made the move to the Citizens from Bournemouth in 2020, and he has represented the club on 80 occasions, scoring seven times in the process.

Ake has been in impressive form for Pep Guardiola's side this season, featuring 40 times in all competitions, scoring three goals.

The Netherlands international has struggled with injuries in recent weeks, but he returned from a hamstring problem in the 1-0 loss to Brentford in the Premier League at the end of May.

Ake is also in the squad for the 2023 Champions League final, where Man City will be looking to beat Italian giants Inter Milan in order to complete a treble.

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The Dutchman has another two years left to run on his deal, but according to Football Insider, Man City have stepped up contract discussions with the defender.

The report claims that Guardiola is a huge admirer of Ake and views him as a vital part of his plans moving forward.

Ake is also said to be determined to extend his stay in Manchester, having finally established himself as an important player for the English champions.

The versatile defender was strongly linked with a return to Chelsea during last summer's transfer window, but the two clubs could not come to an agreement over a transfer fee.

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Ake started 22 of Man City's 38 Premier League matches during the 2022-23 campaign, while six of his seven Champions League appearances this term have come from the first whistle.

A 36-time Netherlands international, the defender started his professional career at Chelsea but found it difficult to make the breakthrough and eventually moved to Bournemouth on a permanent basis in 2017.

The defender's form for the Cherries led to Man City signing him, and he has won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one EFL Cup during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

The Citizens are currently being heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, and the Croatian's arrival could lead to Aymeric Laporte leaving the club in search of regular starts.