Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca does look like it’s really going for a busy summer. He may be close to leading the Blues to their first trophy since 2021, but the Italians are already moving forward in the next season.
In recent weeks, big-name players have had little contact with moving to Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is a trend target, with reports from Spain and the club hopes to sign the Brazilian.
Hugo Ekitiké has become another potential option to enhance the Maresca frontline this summer. Reporter Simon Phillips claims that Chelsea had searched for Eintracht Frankfurt in front of the summer transfer window.
While the need for attacking players is clearly the key to Maresca, especially if the club qualifies for the Champions League in 2025/26, then another central defender or two is equally important.
In all matches this season, the club admitted 57 goals, including 43 in the Premier League.
Fighting for the top five |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
team |
game |
victory |
painting |
fail |
point |
2. Arsenal |
37 |
19 |
14 |
4 |
71 |
3. Newcastle |
37 |
20 |
6 |
11 |
66 |
4. Chelsea |
37 |
19 |
9 |
9 |
66 |
5. Aston Villa |
37 |
19 |
9 |
9 |
66 |
6. People’s City |
36 |
19 |
8 |
9 |
65 |
7. Nottingham Forest |
37 |
19 |
8 |
10 |
65 |
They will certainly face more intense competition in Europe, which increases the demand for defenders who can join the plate.
It seems they are the leader in signing Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but the plan has been stripped of recently…
Chelsea missed Dean Huijsen
After a great season for cherries, Hueyson certainly attracted attention elsewhere, and it seems he will leave the South Coast soon.
According to the Post, Chelsea’s goal is to win a Spanish defender, and the report says admirers Liverpool believe the Blues are leading the pursuit.
However, recent developments mean that the young man won’t move to London this summer.
Real Madrid activates a £50 million issue clause in the contract to get services at the end of the season.
This was a big blow to Maresca, as the capture of Huijsen, especially when clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool showed interest, which showed intention.
Now the Italian will have to turn to other defensive targets before the transfer window opens on June 1. At that time, the Blues will know what kind of European game they will play next season.
Can this allow the club to sign more well-known players?
Chelsea keen on negotiating with teen defenders
Marisa may turn to Premier League defenders Marc Guehi and Jarrad Brantwaite, a potential alternative this summer, according to Sky Sports.
Crystal Palace and Everton are likely to try to delay Chelsea by putting out huge prices on their precious assets. If so, the Blues will likely turn to the mainland and then go to the defender.
According to TeamTalk, Chelsea is reportedly keen to hold talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
The 19-year-old is a sought-after player, and players like AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal have all shown interest in keeping him away from the Netherlands.
Ajax will set the asking price at €45 million – €50 million (£38 million to £42 million), meaning he will be cheaper than Huijsen if the Blues sign him.
The report said negotiations will begin soon between the Premier League and Harto. If so, Maresca will seek to pass the deal as soon as possible.
Why Chelsea must sign Jorell Harto
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is accustomed to waxing young talent, but his compliment to Harto in 2023 proves his true qualities.
“17. DeToekomst’s best. One of the most talented CBs of his generation.” Kulig and the young man have been increasing their strength ever since.
Chelsea has signed from Ajax |
|
---|---|
Player |
Join in one year |
Hakim Ziyech |
2020 |
Daishwan Redan |
2017 |
Juan Familia-Castillo |
2016 |
Per Weihrauch |
2006 |
Moubarak Boussoufa |
2002 |
Jesper Gronkjaer |
2001 |
Mario Melchiot |
1999 |
By Transfermarkt |
Although he was only 19 in March, the sensation of Ajax has won 111 competitive performances for the club, earning 13 goals at that time.
Although the club collapsed in the final few games, allowing PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisie title, Hato enjoyed a wonderful campaign.
His 90% pass accuracy on the highest flight is third in the team, behind only Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo, while he ranks first (1.9), fifth interception (0.7) and third in tackles, third in AJAX every game (2).
He also won 4.1 finals per game – a 52% success rate – while recovering 4.2 goals in Eredivisie this semester.
These performances led Kulig to cheer for his “huge quality” and for the Dutch club’s “excellent season”.
Huijsen may be heading to Madrid, but is there a possibility that Hato will be a better long-term prospect for Chelsea?
Why Jorrel Hato signs better than Dean Huijsen
Although Huijsen is an excellent centre-back, Hato offers positional flexibility that can thrive under Maresca.
Not only is he a great centre-back, but Harto is just as comfortable in the defender, especially on the left side of the defense.
At home this season, the Dutch youth registered eight goals for Ajax and recorded 0.45 goals moves, won 36 tackles, scored 33 tackles in the final third and 413 attacks in the final third.
However, comparing these statistics with Huijsen, it is obvious who can better adapt to Maresca’s style.
Espanyol recorded four goals for Cherries this semester, while he also recorded 0.12 goals moves, won 26 tackles, scored 29 tackles in the final third and only 137 contacts in the opponent’s final third.
Harto’s ball ability stands out from his half and can give Chelsea a new dimension next season.
Huijsen may have been a while, but due to cheaper transfer fees, Maresca can sign up for the defender who has the potential to become better.
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