ChelseaThe team's defensive issues have been highlighted in recent weeks, with injuries once again plaguing several players Enzo MarescaBand, opening the door to newcomers this window.
Wesley Fofana has been a key member of the Italian side since taking charge in the summer All 12 first outings Subordinate Premier League season.
However, his hamstring injury at the start of December appears to be worse than initially feared, with the Blues boss unsure if the Frenchman would feature again in 2024/25.
Compatriot Benoit Badyashile has also been sidelined in recent matches, leaving the club light in defensive areas – and even saw youngster Josh Acheampong come on board against Crystal Palace.
It is no surprise to see the club delving deeper into the transfer market to try and secure reinforcements, with one player strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this winter.
Chelsea leads the race for the defensive star
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea leads the race To sign Ajax's young centre-back Gurel Hato before the end of the current transfer period.
Arsenal and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in signing the 18-year-old, with the Dutch side holding out a fee of between £40m and £45m this month.
The teenager, a product of the Eredivisie team's academy, has He has started 15 times in the league so farHe scored two goals and provided four assists – an amazing record for a centre-back at his young age.
The report also suggests that the Blues are willing to offload several players to raise funds for a move for Hato, who is seen as a team player. The present and future at his young age And diversity.
Such a move could end the pursuit of another defensive option, undoubtedly providing a cheaper alternative, while providing a serious upgrade given their respective numbers this campaign.
Why would Hato be a better option than Guehi for Chelsea?
Crystal Palace centre-back Mark Guehi Move to Selhurst Park on A £18 million deal from Chelsea Again in the summer of 2021 – after impressing for Swansea City the previous season.
However, in recent days, he has now become an England international It was brought up with a return to his boyhood clubThree and a half years after leaving the bridge – But it could cost around £75 million – Simply crazy fees.
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This wouldn't be the first time the club has prematurely offloaded someone before signing them again, with just one example being Romelu Lukaku, who cost the hierarchy £97.5m in the same window.
His move is evidence that comebacks don't always go to plan, highlighting the need for Maresca to stay away from the 24-year-old and prioritize a move for Ajax youngster Hato.
When comparing the duo's stats from the current season, the young Dutchman has vastly outperformed Guehi in several key areas, highlighting what a fantastic addition he will be to the west London side.
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How does Gurriel Hato compare to Marc Guehi in 2024/25 |
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|---|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
here |
Joeyhi |
|
Games played |
16 |
19 |
|
Goals and assists |
6 |
3 |
|
Holds progressivism |
1.5 |
0.4 |
|
Progressive passes |
5.2 |
4.1 |
|
Passing accuracy |
89% |
83% |
|
Won tackles |
1.5 |
0.8 |
|
Objections were made |
0.7 |
0.5 |
|
Antennas won |
70% |
62% |
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Statistics via FBref |
||
Hato, who was nicknamed “One of the most talented players of his generation in Europe“Written by talent scout Jacek Kulig, continue more Holds and passes the progressive at 90 – Shows his excellent fit into Maresca's system, which requires his backline to be able to play out from the back.
A carry is considered progressive if the ball is carried towards the opponent's goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or carried into the penalty area.
Defensively, the Dutchman also dominated Guehi, winning more tackles per 90, while also taking the lead in more aerial battles, really proving to be a real high-quality all-round defender despite his young age.
Given the huge difference in quality and price, the Blues need to seriously consider a move for the Ajax star instead of Guehi, which would undoubtedly provide an opportunity for Hato to improve further given that he is six years younger than the Palace player.
Any deal would likely cost the hierarchy a fair bit of money, so it's important they make the right decision to prevent any money from being wasted, with Hato the perfect choice to shine within the backline under Maresca.
