According to a new report, Manchester City will not stand in Nathan Ake's way if he wishes to leave the club this summer.
This week, the 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Chelsea as Thomas Tuchel looks to reshape his backline ahead of a potential defensive exodus at Stamford Bridge.
Ake is said to be open to returning to Chelsea, who are continuing their pursuit of Raheem Sterling in order to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City.
After speculation about a reunion with former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe at Newcastle earlier this month, Ake appeared to confirm he would remain at the Etihad Stadium for the new season.
The Netherlands international was instrumental in providing cover for Ruben Dias and John Stones during Manchester City's recent league-winning season.
However, since his arrival from the Vitality Stadium in 2020, Ake has been primarily used as a squad player and was reported to be open to leaving City in search of regular game time this summer if the opportunity arose.
Chelsea are thought to have recently made Nathan Ake their top defensive target, ahead of Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus and Jules Kounde of Sevilla.
Todd Boehly, who led the consortium that successfully bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich this summer, met with the Premier League champions in private on Monday to discuss Nathan Ake's valuation.
It is unclear whether City will allow Ake to leave for Chelsea, who are expected to make an improved offer for Raheem Sterling this week and have expressed interest in signing Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Manchester City have informed Nathan Ake that he is free to leave the club this summer, according to a new report by 90min.
Ake is no stranger to Chelsea, having spent the majority of his career there, but despite spending six years at Stamford Bridge, he found his opportunities limited.
Boehly is eager to make an impression on the squad and sees City's two-time Premier League champion defender as the ideal statement signing.
With three years left on Ake's contract at the Etihad Stadium, City could still demand a sizable fee to let him go.
Although Pep Guardiola's squad still has some holes to fill this summer, the club is blessed with plenty of options in certain positions on the field.
One such position is center-back, where City has as many as four recognized and high-quality defenders available.
Ruben Dias, who could replace Fernandinho as captain ahead of the new season, is arguably the most highly rated of the four, with his explosive debut season in 2020/21 earning him the Premier League Player of the Year award.
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