Barcelona will reportedly look to sign 31-year-old Dutch defender Nathan Ake from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by SPORT, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nathan Ake is the subject of interest of Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions are keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 31-year-old Manchester City utility man has emerged as a target for the Blaugrana.

Deco is the driving force behind Barcelona’s move for the Dutchman, and they will aim to secure a deal in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Manchester City will not stand in Ake’s way, with the Premier League club ready to sell him for a “good price” in the coming months.

What is Nathan Ake’s situation at Manchester City?

Nathan Ake has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in a deal worth £40 million in August 2020. While the 31-year-old has been solid in his outings for the Citizens, he has been in and out of the starting lineup over the last half-decade, with his game time significantly reduced this term. Nevertheless, the player has been a utility man for Manchester City due to his ability to play as a centre-back and a left-back.

The Dutch defender has made over 150 appearances thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with ten goals and three assists. However, the lack of regular game time has compelled Ake to consider his long-term future at the Etihad. The Netherlands international has had no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature in recent months, with Barcelona among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.

La Liga move on the horizon?

Barcelona’s interest in Nathan Ake makes sense. While Hansi Flick has several centre-backs in his squad, a closer look would reveal the desperate need for a new centre-back. Inigo Martinez’s departure last summer has been detrimental to Barcelona’s fortunes, and they want a new long-term central defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi.

Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen’s long-term future is uncertain, and the Danish international will likely leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Additionally, Ronald Araujo has not been reliable at the heart of the defence for the Blaugrana. So, Ake is a viable target for Barcelona.

The latest has revealed that Deco is the driving force behind Barcelona’s move for the Dutchman, and they will aim to secure a deal in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Manchester City will not stand in Ake’s way, with the Premier League club ready to sell him for a “good price” in the coming months. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 31-year-old Netherlands international.