Chelsea set to open talks to signal “immense” £42m star

Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca appears to be like set for a busy summer time certainly. He could also be near main the Blues to their first trophy since 2021, however the Italian is already pondering forward to subsequent season.

There was no scarcity of big-name gamers being linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge in latest weeks.

Actual Madrid famous person Rodrygo is one trending goal, with reviews coming from Spain that the membership would like to signal the Brazilian.

Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as one other potential choice to bolster Maresca’s frontline this summer time. Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea had been scouting the Frenchman forward of the summer time switch window following his glorious marketing campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Whereas the necessity for attacking gamers is clearly key for Maresca, particularly if the membership secures Champions League qualification for 2025/26, bringing in one other centre-back or two is equally essential.

Throughout all competitions this season, the membership have conceded 57 objectives, together with 43 within the Premier League.

They may face harder competitors in Europe actually, heightening the necessity for a defender able to stepping as much as the plate.

It seemed as if they had been frontrunners to signal Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, however that plan was scuppered just lately…

Chelsea have missed out on Dean Huijsen

Following a wonderful season for the Cherries, Huijsen actually attracted consideration from elsewhere, and it appeared as if he can be leaving the south coast sooner quite than later.

In response to the Mail, Chelsea had been concentrating on a swoop for the Spanish defender, with the report claiming fellow admirers Liverpool, believed that the Blues had been main the chase.

Current developments, nevertheless, now imply that the teenager will not be making the transfer to London this summer time.

Actual Madrid activated the £50m launch clause in his contract to be able to safe his providers on the finish of the season.

It is a large blow for Maresca, as capturing Huijsen, particularly with golf equipment akin to Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool exhibiting curiosity, would have signalled a press release of intent.

Now, the Italian should flip to different defensive targets forward of the switch window opening on June 1. By that point, the Blues will know which European competitors they are going to be taking part in in subsequent season.

May this permit the membership to signal extra high-profile gamers?

Chelsea eager to open talks with teenage defender

Maresa might flip to Premier League defenders Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite as potential alternate options this summer time, in accordance with Sky Sports activities.

It’s possible each Crystal Palace and Everton will try to put Chelsea off by putting enormous value tags on their prized belongings. If that’s the case, the Blues might nicely flip to the continent for one more centre-back.

In response to TEAMtalk, with Huijsen now unavailable, Chelsea are reportedly eager on opening talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

The 19-year-old is a sought-after participant, with the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal all exhibiting curiosity in prising him away from the Netherlands.

Ajax have set an asking value within the area of €45m-€50m (£38m-£42m), which means if the Blues had been to signal him, he can be cheaper than Huijsen.

The report claims that talks are set to start quickly between the Premier League facet and Hato. If that’s the case, Maresca shall be trying to get this deal over the road as rapidly as doable.

Why Chelsea should signal Jorrel Hato

Soccer expertise scout Jacek Kulig is used to waxing lyrical about younger expertise, however his reward for Hato again in 2023 proves simply how highly-rated he actually was.

“17 years of age. De Toekomst’s Best. One of the vital gifted CBs of his technology in Europe.” Mentioned Kulig and the teenager has gone from power to power since.

Regardless of solely turning 19 in March, the Ajax sensation has already racked up 111 aggressive appearances for the membership, registering 13 purpose contributions in that point.

Though the membership collapsed over the ultimate few video games, permitting PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisie title away from them, Hato loved an exquisite marketing campaign.

His 90% go accuracy within the high flight was third-best within the squad, behind solely Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo, whereas he ranked first for tackles (1.9), fifth for interceptions (0.7) and third for clearances (2) per recreation for Ajax.

He additionally received 4.1 whole duels per recreation – successful price of 52% – whereas recovering 4.2 balls per recreation within the Eredivisie this time period.

These performances led Kulig to hail him for his “immense high quality” and for having an “glorious season” for the Dutch membership.

Huijsen could also be on his method to Madrid, however is there a case for Hato to maybe turn into the higher long-term prospect for Chelsea?

Why Jorrel Hato is usually a higher signing than Dean Huijsen

Whereas Huijsen is an excellent centre-back, Hato gives positional flexibility which might see him thrive beneath Maresca.

Not solely is he a wonderful ball-playing centre-back, however Hato can be simply as comfy at full-back, significantly on the left facet of the defence.

Domestically this season, the Dutch teenager has registered eight purpose contributions for Ajax, together with recording 0.45 goal-creating actions, successful 36 tackles, making 33 carries into the ultimate third and taking 413 touches within the ultimate third.

Evaluate these statistics to Huijsen, nevertheless, and it’s clear who might match into Maresca’s model higher.

The Spaniard has recorded 4 purpose contributions for the Cherries this time period, whereas he additionally recorded 0.12 goal-creating actions, wins 26 tackles, made 29 carries into the ultimate third and has taken solely 137 touches within the opposition’s ultimate third within the high flight.

Hato’s ball-playing means in advancing out of his personal half might give Chelsea a brand new dimension subsequent season.

Huijsen might have been flavour of the month for some time, however for a less expensive switch charge, Maresca might signal a defender who has the potential to be even higher.