Bournemouth have completed the signing of Nathan Ake for a club record fee of £20million.
The 22-year-old will join up with Eddie Howe’s side once again after spending the first half of the 2016/17 season on loan at Vitality Stadium.
‘I had a great time here last season so I’m really happy to be back,’ said Ake.
He told the club’s website: ‘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.’
Ake covered his face up with the shirt as he was officially unveiled for his new side.
The Cherries have completed some impressive early business with Ake joining Asmir Begovic and Jermain Defoe on the south coast.
Howe was equally pleased with his new addition: ‘I am delighted that we have completed the signing of Nathan on a permanent basis,’ he said.
‘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,’ he added.
Ake will be able to get a full pre-season under his belt with his team-mates as Bournemouth ready themselves for the season ahead, starting with a trip to West Brom on August 12.
