Howe: No approaches made for Ake

Eddie Howe has insisted that Bournemouth have not received any approaches for Nathan Ake.

The Dutch defender has been linked with a return to Chelsea and reports on Friday also suggested he is now a target for Arsenal.

The Gunners are said to be lining up Ake as a replacement for Calum Chambers, who will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is reportedly keen to take Ake back to Stamford Bridge during this month’s transfer window.

The Blues have a £40m buy-back clause as part of the deal that saw him sold to the south coast club and reports have suggested that Chelsea will look to take up that option in the coming weeks.

Manchester City have also been linked with Ake, who has been hugely impressive since signing for the Cherries.

Ake has been out with an injury of his own and Bournemouth manager Howe appears to be confident that the player will be staying put.

Howe was asked about Ake’s future at a press conference on Friday morning.

He said: “Nothing to report on Nathan. He is recovering well from his injury, we will see when he is back fit.”