Former Chelsea star Pat Nevin feels that the Blues should only bring back Nathan Ake from Bournemouth if they can offer him regular first team action.
The 21-year-old, who can play in several positions and could provide cover for wing-back Marcos Alonso, joined the Cherries on a season-long loan deal in the summer.
However, Chelsea could well move to recall Ake, who spent the 2015/16 season on loan at Watford, in January.
Ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy previously called on the Blues to bring back Ake from Bournemouth during the winter transfer window.
The youngster has thus far made 12 appearances in all competitions for Eddie Howe’s team, finding the back of the net three times.
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However, Nevin, who believes Ake is enjoying playing regularly for Bournemouth, thinks Chelsea should only look to cut short the starlet’s loan stint if they can guarantee him an extended run in the first team.
“That’s a massive temptation, but how painful will it be for him”, Nevin said on Chelsea TV, when asked if the Blues should bring back Ake in January.
“He’s having a brilliant time [there], playing every single week.
“[If] he comes back here, he doesn’t necessarily get a game every week.
“I think if he’s playing first team football, he should be playing first team football if he comes back in.
“If you bring him back in and he plays, then go for it.”
Ake, who has thus far amassed 12 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea since making his first team debut for the club in the 2012/13 campaign, is contracted with the Stamford Bridge outfit until 2020.
