Ake had agreed personal terms with Chelsea but City were only willing to let him move to Stamford Bridge if their £45m asking price was met. This has not happened and the decision has been made for the defender to remain in Manchester. Aké is still considered an important member of Pep Guardiola’s squad, but City are ready to let Oleksandr Zinchenko leave if they receive a suitable offer. Arsenal are preparing a bid for the Ukrainian and his departure could speed up City’s move for Brighton left-back Mark Cukurella. Chelsea, looking to rebuild their defense after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, were looking to make Ake one of three centre-backs. Thomas Tuchel’s side are poised to announce the £33.8m signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and are targeting Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kibebe. They could also revive their interest in Sevilla’s Jules Couté. Kimpembe could take over the left central defender role previously held by Rüdiger. Aké also plays in that position and City’s decision to keep the 27-year-old could help Chelsea keep hold of Levi Colwill, the subject of interest from Crystal Palace, Southampton and Leicester. Colwill, who impressed on loan at Huddersfield last season, can play at left centre-back and the 19-year-old is keen to see if he is given first-team opportunities by Tuchel. Chelsea are considering a move to cover Rhys James at right wing-back. Their move for Rafinha, who joins Barcelona from Leeds, was prompted in part by Tuchel’s belief that he could use the Brazilian as a full-back. An alternative option for Chelsea could be Lens defender Jonathan Clauss.
