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 all the first 12 outings of the Premier League season.
Nonetheless, his hamstring damage in the beginning of December seems to be worse than first feared, with the Blues boss uncertain 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 teenager Josh Acheampong characteristic in opposition to Crystal Palace.
It’s no shock to see the membership delve into the switch market to try to land reinforcements, with one participant strongly linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge this winter.
Chelsea main the race for defensive star
In response to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are main the race to signal Ajax’s younger centre-back Jorrel Hato earlier than the top of the continuing switch window.
Arsenal and Actual Madrid are additionally mentioned to be all in favour of a transfer for the 18-year-old, with the Dutch facet holding out for a charge within the area of £40m-£45m this month.
{The teenager}, who’s an academy product of the Eredivisie outfit, has began 15 instances within the league thus far, scoring two targets and registering 4 assists – a staggering document 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 along with his younger age and flexibility.
Such a transfer might finish the pursuit of 1 different defensive choice, undoubtedly providing a less expensive various, while offering a severe improve given their respective figures this marketing campaign.
Why Hato can be a greater choice 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 might price round £75m – a fairly merely bonkers charge.
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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 all the time go as deliberate, highlighting the necessity for Maresca to keep away from the 24-year-old and prioritise a transfer for Ajax teenager Hato.
When evaluating the duo’s respective stats from the continuing marketing campaign, the Dutch teenager has massively outperformed Guehi in numerous key areas, highlighting how a lot of an excellent addition he can be for the West London outfit.
How Jorrel Hato compares to Marc Guehi in 2024/25 | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | Hato | Guehi |
Video games performed | 16 | 19 |
Targets & assists | 6 | 3 |
Progressive carries | 1.5 | 0.4 |
Progressive passes | 5.2 | 4.1 |
Cross accuracy | 89% | 83% |
Tackles gained | 1.5 | 0.8 |
Interceptions made | 0.7 | 0.5 |
Aerials gained | 70% | 62% |
Stats through FBref | ||
Hato, who’s been dubbed “probably the most proficient CBs of his era in Europe” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, has accomplished extra progressive carries and passes per 90 – showcasing what a superb match he can be for Maresca’s system, which requires his backline to be succesful in enjoying 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 very least 10 yards from its start line or is carried into the penalty space.
Defensively, the Dutchman has additionally dominated Guehi, successful extra tackles per 90, while additionally popping out on prime in additional aerial battles, really proving to be an actual top-quality all-round defender regardless of his youthful age.
Given the large distinction in high quality and price ticket, the Blues critically want to contemplate a transfer for the Ajax star over Guehi, undoubtedly providing Hato the prospect to enhance additional provided that he’s six years youthful than the Palace man.
Any deal will doubtless price the hierarchy one other respectable chunk of cash, so it’s pivotal they make the best name to forestall losing any funds, with Hato the proper choice to star inside the backline beneath Maresca’s steering.
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