Harry Diamond
Chelsea are reported to have ended their interest in signing Bournemouth duo Nathan Ake and Callum Wilson, with Frank Lampard now set to consider alternative targets.
The Blues had been strongly linked with a move to bring former defender Ake back to the club this winter, Chelsea having inserted a £40m buy-back clause in the 24-year-old’s contract following his departure from Stamford Bridge two-and-a-half years ago.
Scouts are believed to have been monitoring the Dutchman’s progress in recent months as Lampard looks for defensive reinforcements this month, with Ake’s Bournemouth teammate Wilson also having been on the club’s radar for over a year.
Callum Wilson hasn’t scored since September & hasn’t had a shot on target since October 😳 #AFCB pic.twitter.com/RPhuwQmUeH
— 🍒 TheCherries 🍒 (@TheCherries_com) January 15, 2020
However, according to Sky Sports, Chelsea will now focus their attentions elsewhere, having decided against moves for two players currently battling against relegation.
Ake has won admirers following his performances since joining the Cherries but Eddie Howe’s side have struggled this season, whilst England international Wilson is without a league goal since September and facing the possibility of missing out on a place in the national squad for next summer’s European Championships.
Chelsea are keen to strengthen in several areas having had their transfer-ban lifted ahead of the January transfer window and have significant funds to spend, though the club will now look at alternatives as they seek to add defensive cover and a back-up forward to ease the goalscoring burden on Tammy Abraham in attack.
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