Nathan Ake will command a regular starting berth at Chelsea next season, according to Bournemouth team-mate Harry Arter.

Chelsea loanee Ake has impressed with the Cherries this term, with boss Eddie Howe hoping to retain the talented 21-year-old until the end of the season.

Bournemouth boss Howe has confirmed Chelsea have a January recall clause on Ake's loan deal, but remains confident he can convince the Dutchman to stay at the Vitality Stadium until the summer.

And Republic of Ireland midfielder Arter believes Ake can build a long-term career at the heart of Chelsea boss Antonio Conte's three-man defence.

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"Nathan deserves all the plaudits he's getting at the moment," said Arter of Ake, who headed Bournemouth's only goal in Sunday's 3-1 home loss to Southampton.

"And I've no doubt that next year he'll go back to Chelsea and play in their side.

"I personally feel he's more than good enough, especially with the system they're playing now.

"And it's a credit to him because he's worked really hard, even when he wasn't in the team, and he deserves all the praise he's getting."

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