Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca certainly appears to be ready for a busy summer. He may be closer to leading the Blues to his first trophy since 2021, but the Italians are already looking ahead until next season.
In recent weeks there has been no shortage of well-known players linked to travel to Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid superstar Rodrigo has received reports from Spain that the club wants to sign the Brazilian.
Hugo Ekitiké emerged as another potential option to strengthen Maresca’s frontline this summer. Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea had scouted the Frenchman ahead of the summer transfer window following an outstanding campaign for Eintrachat Frankfurt.
The need to attack players is clearly important to Maresca, especially when the club secures qualifying for the Champions League on 2025/26, but bringing in one or two separate centre-backs is equally important.
In all competitions this season, the club has confirmed 57 goals, including 43 in the Premier League.
Fight for the Top 5 Spots | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
team | game | I’ll win | draw | defeat | 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. Man City | 36 | 19 | 8 | 9 | 65 |
7. Nottingham Forest | 37 | 19 | 8 | 10 | 65 |
They certainly face tougher competition in Europe, increasing the need for defenders who can step up to the plate.
They looked like the frontline to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huyssen, but that plan has recently shaken…
Chelsea missed Dean Huyssen
Following Cherry’s great season, Huyssen certainly attracted attention from elsewhere, as if he would leave the South Coast earlier than afterwards.
Chelsea had targeted the Spanish defender’s swooping descent, according to the mail. The report allegedly believed that fellow worshiper Liverpool believed that Bruce was chasing.
However, recent developments mean that young people will not be moving to London this summer.
Real Madrid has activated a £50 million release clause on his contract to secure his services at the end of the season.
This would have been a major blow to Maresca, particularly with clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool showing interest, so capturing Huysen would have been a major blow and a statement of intention.
Currently, the Italians will have to rely on other defensive targets ahead of the transfer window, which will begin on June 1. By then, the Blues will know which European competition will play next season.
Will this allow the club to sign more well-known players?
Chelsea is keen to hold a talk with a teenage defender
According to Sky Sports, Maresa could turn to Premier League defenders Mark Guech and Jarad Brantwaite as a potential alternative.
Both Crystal Palace and Everton could be trying to postpone Chelsea by placing a huge price tag on their precious assets. If so, Bruce could head to the continent for another centre-back.
According to TeamTalk, Chelsea is reportedly keen to hold a talk with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, according to the unavailability of Huijsen.
The 19-year-old is a sought-after player who has been interested in AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal to praise him away from the Netherlands.
Ajax set the asking price in the region of 45 million euros (£38 million to £42 million). That means he’ll be cheaper than Huijsen if Bruce signed him.
The report claims that the talk will soon begin between the Premier League side and the pigeons. If so, Maresca aims to make this transaction as soon as possible.
Why does Chelsea have to sign a Yarrel pigeon?
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is used to lyrical waxing about young talent, but his admiration for Hato in 2023 proves how highly he was truly appreciated.
“17 years old. DeToekomst’s best. One of Europe’s most talented CBS.” Since then, Krig and the youth have been increasing their strength.
Player Chelsea signed from Ajax | |
---|---|
player | Years of participation |
Hakim Ziyech | 2020 |
Already Daischwan | 2017 |
Juan Familia Castilo | 2016 |
frankincense | 2006 |
Mubarak Bousofa | 2002 |
Jesper Gronkjaer | 2001 |
Mario Melchiott | 1999 |
Via TransferMarkt |
Despite turning 19 in March, Ajax sense has already won 111 competitive appearances for the club, registering 13 target contributions at that time.
The club collapsed in the final few games, allowing PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisi title, but the pigeons enjoyed a great campaign.
His 90% passing accuracy on top flight was the third best in the team, behind only your Baas and Josip Sutalo.
He also scored a total duel of 4.1 per game (52% success rate), and for this semester he recovered 4.2 balls per game at Eredivisie.
These performances allowed Krig to welcome him to have a “immense quality” and a “great season” for the Dutch club.
Huijsen may be heading towards Madrid, but do you think Hato could turn out to be Chelsea’s better long-term outlook?
Why Jorell Hat is a better signing than Dean Huyssen
Huijsen is a great centre-back, but Hato offers positional flexibility that allows you to see him thrive under Maresca.
Not only is he a great ballplay centre back, but he’s just as comfortable with the fullback on the left side of the defense.
Domestic this season, the Dutch youth registered Ajax’s eight target contributions, recorded a goal-making action of 0.45, earning 36 tackles, 33 carries in the final third and 413 touches in the final third.
However, compare these statistics with Huijsen. Who is the best for Maresca’s style?
The Spaniards recorded four goal contributions for Cherry this semester, but also recorded a goal-making action of 0.12, earning 26 tackles and 29 carries in the final third, with only 137 times in the last third of the opposition on the top flight.
Dove’s ball-playing ability to advance from his own half could give Chelsea a new dimension next season.
Huijsen may have been the flavor of the month, but with a cheaper transfer fee, Maresca can sign a defender who could get even better.
Related
Tosin Upgrade: Chelsea is focusing on £25 million Huijsen alternatives as their priority target
Chelsea are looking at a Dean Huyssen alternative that could be even better than Tosin Adarabioyo.