Chelsea’s defensive points have been highlighted in latest weeks, with accidents as soon as once more plaguing quite a few gamers in Enzo Maresca’s squad, opening the door to new arrivals this window.
Wesley Fofana has been a key member of the Italian’s squad since he took the reign in the summertime, beginning the entire first 12 outings of the Premier League season.
Nonetheless, his hamstring damage at the beginning of December seems to be worse than first feared, with the Blues boss not sure whether or not the Frenchman will characteristic once more in 2024/25.
His compatriot Benoit Badiashile has additionally been sidelined in latest matches, leaving the membership mild in defensive areas and all the way down to their naked bones – even seeing teen Josh Acheampong characteristic towards Crystal Palace.
It’s no shock to see the membership delve into the switch market to attempt to land reinforcements, with one participant strongly linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge this winter.
Chelsea main the race for defensive star
In accordance with CaughtOffside, Chelsea are main the race to signal Ajax’s younger centre-back Jorrel Hato earlier than the top of the continued switch window.
Arsenal and Actual Madrid are additionally stated to be fascinated about a transfer for the 18-year-old, with the Dutch aspect holding out for a price within the area of £40m-£45m this month.
{The teenager}, who’s an academy product of the Eredivisie outfit, has began 15 occasions within the league to this point, scoring two targets and registering 4 assists – a staggering report for a centre-back of his tender age.
The report additionally states that the Blues are prepared to half methods with a number of gamers to boost funds for a transfer to land Hato, who’s seen as a participant for the current and future together with his younger age and flexibility.
Such a transfer may finish the pursuit of 1 different defensive possibility, undoubtedly providing a less expensive various, while offering a severe improve given their respective figures this marketing campaign.
Why Hato can be a greater possibility than Guehi for Chelsea
Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi moved to Selhurst Park in a £18m deal from Chelsea again in the summertime of 2021 – after impressing within the Championship for Swansea Metropolis the season prior.
Nonetheless, in latest days, the now England worldwide has been mooted with a return to his boyhood membership, three and a half years after leaving the Bridge – however may value round £75m – a fairly merely bonkers price.
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It wouldn’t be the primary time the membership have offloaded somebody prematurely earlier than signing them once more down the road, with Romelu Lukaku only one instance, costing the hierarchy £97.5m in the identical window.
His transfer is proof {that a} return doesn’t at all times go as deliberate, highlighting the necessity for Maresca to keep away from the 24-year-old and prioritise a transfer for Ajax teen Hato.
When evaluating the duo’s respective stats from the continued marketing campaign, the Dutch teen has massively outperformed Guehi in numerous key areas, highlighting how a lot of an excellent addition he can be for the West London outfit.
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How Jorrel Hato compares to Marc Guehi in 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Hato |
Guehi |
|
Video games performed |
16 |
19 |
|
Objectives & assists |
6 |
3 |
|
Progressive carries |
1.5 |
0.4 |
|
Progressive passes |
5.2 |
4.1 |
|
Move accuracy |
89% |
83% |
|
Tackles gained |
1.5 |
0.8 |
|
Interceptions made |
0.7 |
0.5 |
|
Aerials gained |
70% |
62% |
|
Stats by way of FBref |
||
Hato, who’s been dubbed “some of the proficient CBs of his technology in Europe” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, has accomplished extra progressive carries and passes per 90 – showcasing what a wonderful match he can be for Maresca’s system, which requires his backline to be succesful in taking part in out from the again.
A carry is taken into account progressive if the ball is moved in the direction of the opponent’s objective at the least 10 yards from its start line or is carried into the penalty space.
Defensively, the Dutchman has additionally dominated Guehi, profitable extra tackles per 90, while additionally popping out on prime in additional aerial battles, actually proving to be an actual top-quality all-round defender regardless of his youthful age.
Given the massive distinction in high quality and price ticket, the Blues significantly want to contemplate a transfer for the Ajax star over Guehi, undoubtedly providing Hato the possibility to enhance additional on condition that he’s six years youthful than the Palace man.
Any deal will doubtless value the hierarchy one other respectable chunk of cash, so it’s pivotal they make the suitable name to forestall losing any funds, with Hato the proper choice to star throughout the backline beneath Maresca’s steerage.
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