Chelsea have now recognized an “distinctive” defender as a precedence summer time goal after holding inner talks, in accordance with a report.
Blues planning to signal two defenders this summer time
The Blues nonetheless have all the pieces to play for because the Premier League season approaches its conclusion, with the final-day journey to Nottingham Forest set to be essential within the race for the highest 5, on condition that Nuno’s facet, Aston Villa and Manchester Metropolis are respiratory down their necks.
Barring the 2-0 loss at Newcastle United, Enzo Maresca’s facet have carried out nicely in the course of the run-in, and the supervisor has been happy with the progress Levi Colwill has made, regardless of admitting he might have to usher in extra skilled gamers this summer time.
When questioned in regards to the prospect of including expertise to his squad this summer time, very similar to Jurgen Klopp did by signing Virgil van Dijk and Alisson for Liverpool, Maresca stated: “For certain, if you wish to shut the hole with these sort of golf equipment then, you need to do issues.”
As such, a variety of centre-back targets have been recognized forward of the summer time, and it’s clear the supervisor is trying to mix youth and expertise.
In keeping with a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea are additionally stepping up their pursuit of Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, with the defender now thought-about a precedence goal following inner discussions about their summer time switch plans.
There’s a feeling {that a} price of £37.8m – £42m could possibly be sufficient to get a deal accomplished, so a transfer for Hato wouldn’t break the financial institution, and he’s now quickly shifting up the Blues’ shortlist.
The likes of Liverpool, AC Milan and Arsenal may present competitors for the 19-year-old’s signature, however the west Londoners want to transfer swiftly to make sure they continue to be within the lead.
Hato could possibly be “distinctive” signing for the Blues
The report states that Chelsea want to usher in two centre-backs this summer time, and it’s little marvel the teen is now one in all their favoured choices, given the extent of a few of his performances for Ajax since breaking into the workforce at a younger age.
Soccer scout Ben Mattinson has been left notably impressed by {the teenager} up to now, stating on X: “Hato is an distinctive athlete for his age while being a technical participant who can carry by way of the traces.”
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Chelsea trying to signal “composed” defender who Maresca thinks is “excellent”
The Blues have set their sights on a centre-back, with Enzo Maresca believed to be a eager admirer.
Not solely that, however the Rotterdam-born defender is an assured passer of the ball, which may make him match for Maresca, rating within the high 1% for his pass-completion price per 90 over the previous 12 months, when in comparison with different full-backs.
Certainly, Hato is able to taking part in at left-back, having featured there predominantly in the course of the 2024-25 marketing campaign, however he has additionally featured at centre-back all through his profession, and his versatility can be an added bonus for the Blues.
