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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea will consider making a move for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake if Frank Lampard decides a replacement for David Luiz is necessary.

What's the word?

Despite suffering from a prospective transfer ban, the Blues opted to let Luiz leave on deadline day and join Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The Telegraph now claim that should Lampard decide extra cover in central defence is needed, the club will pursue a move for former star Ake once their transfer ban ends.

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The report adds Chelsea's sale of Ake two years ago included an agreement that would allow them to re-sign the Dutchman for £40m should the player want a return.

Smart business

Since joining Eddie Howe's side, the 5 foot 11 Ake has improved immeasurably and emerged as one of the better ball-playing centre-backs in the league. Last season, the Netherlands international averaged 44.6 passes per game at an accuracy of 86% in the top-flight, and would thrive under Lampard's guidance in that respect.

Perhaps just as enticing is the reported price tag the Blues could sign him for. At £40m, Ake would represent shrewd business in the current state of the market and allow them to buy a Premier League-proven defender at half the price Harry Maguire cost rivals Manchester United.

Indeed, Ake's previous experience of playing for Chelsea would no doubt stand him in good stead when it comes to embracing the level of expectation at Stamford Bridge. So if Lampard does decide to make a move for another centre-back, he could certainly do a lot worse than Ake from both a footballing and financial sense.

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