Nathan Ake signs for club record fee

The 22-year-old arrives from Premier League champions Chelsea and has put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Vitality Stadium.

Ake spent the first half of the 2016/17 season on loan with the Cherries, making 12 appearances and scoring three goals before being recalled to Stamford Bridge in January, where he helped the Blues lift the top flight title and reach the FA Cup final.

The versatile Dutchman moved to Chelsea from Feyenoord in the summer of 2011, aged just 16, and has also enjoyed temporary spells with Reading and Watford.

Having represented his country at every level from under-15 to under-21, he won his first two caps for the senior Holland side earlier this summer.

“I had a great time here last season so I’m really happy to be back,” said Ake.

“It’s an exciting challenge. Chelsea is a great club and I learned so much there but this is a new step and the right place for me to develop even more.

“The fans haven’t seen the best of me yet. I always set the bar high so I know there is a lot of things I still have to work on.

“With the help of the manager here I know I can keep improving and become a better player.”

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said: “I am delighted that we have completed the signing of Nathan on a permanent basis.

“He is someone we know all about, having had a very successful loan spell here last season.

“Nathan is an outstanding young player with a fantastic attitude and a great desire to learn and develop.

“He has a very bright future ahead of him and I’m very pleased to say that future is here.”

🙌 We've completed the signing of 🇳🇱 international @NathanAke for a club record fee from @ChelseaFC!

➡ https://t.co/Z9BJmioJmB#afcb 🍒 pic.twitter.com/PBIkaw1Gmi

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) June 30, 2017

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake added: “Nathan may have only been with us for a short time last season but he was a big part of what we achieved and made a huge impression on everyone, both on and off the pitch.

“We were determined to bring him to the club permanently and I am delighted to secure the services of a young, hungry, talented, international defender.

“Having already signed Asmir Begovic and Jermain Defoe this summer, this is another statement of our intent and another player who will help drive the club forward.”

Nathan Ake is pictured wearing the new AFC Bournemouth home shirt which goes on sale in-store and online from 1st July.