From Spain: Barcelona face major hurdle in pursuit of Manchester City want-away defender Nathan Ake

Barcelona have retained an interest in Ake and continue to view him as a low-cost option to bolster their defensive options under Hansi Flick next season. His profile is understood to suit what the Catalan club are looking for but the path to a deal is far from straightforward.

Report: City unwilling to discount for direct rival

As reported by Mundo Deportivo and relayed by Sport Witness, Ake is keen on leaving Manchester City this summer and remains on Barcelona’s list of defensive targets.

However, City are unwilling to offer any discount to the La Liga champions, whom they regard as a direct rival in European competition and have no intention of making a deal easy for a club competing at the same level in the UEFA Champions League.

Ake’s high salary is noted as a further complication for Barcelona, with the Spanish club also wary of City’s intention to generate a bidding war in order to maximise the fee received for the Netherlands international.

What is the wider context for Ake’s exit?

Ake’s departure has appeared increasingly inevitable for some time. AS Roma and Juventus have both been credited with concrete interest in the left-footed defender, while unnamed Premier League clubs are also monitoring his availability ahead of the summer window.

City’s decision not to facilitate a cut-price sale, even to a club the player himself may favour reflects the broader approach director of football Hugo Viana has taken to outgoing transfers since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium last summer.

12 Manchester City players could leave the Etihad Stadium in major summer clear-out

With a summer of significant squad change already underway, City will be keen to extract maximum value from every departure and Ake’s situation is no different, regardless of where he ends up.