Nathan Ake has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester City ahead of a £41million move from Bournemouth.
Pep Guardiola is closing in on his man after targeting the Dutch centre-back as a top target to add to his defensive resources.
And the path has cleared for the City boss after Chelsea decided not to exercise their option to match the offer for their former player, according to talkSPORT.
Ake would be City's second signing of the summer already after a £37m deal for Valencia winger Ferran Torres was confirmed on Tuesday.
Torres is regarded as one of the most exciting wingers in Europe and was a highlight in Valencia's otherwise disappointing LaLiga campaign.
Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Juventus had all retained interest in signing Torres, who had signalled his intention to leave the Mestalla.
Ake could be one of four new faces to arrive at the Etihad summer in the coming weeks as Guardiola plots how to overhaul champions Liverpool.
Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly remains another target in the central defensive area.
Guardiola is seeking a reliable defensive partner for first-choice Aymeric Laporte.
City are back in Champions League action on Friday for their last-16 second-leg against Real Madrid.
bichooo
41
And they call city the noisy neighbors
Mokekrt
31
AKE+ Garcia
Koulibally+Laporte
bichooo
30
Man city be like :brother thats how its done without romuors
JuniorGunner•••
9
Manchester City Attack 90 Midfield 90 Defense 80 and loading Pep please it's just football not war, take it easy on us next season 😂