Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca may have already signed several players this summer, but he is not far from the transfer market.
There could be a problem with the team that bloated in the next semester, as they earn more than they left. But players like Christopher Nukank, Joan Felix, Axel Disassi and Raheem Sterling will have to leave before the windows close.
The rumours factory has been constant over the past few weeks, with the Blues linking to the player’s right, left and center.
Karim Adeyemi, Tyler Dibing and Malick Fofana are all touted for their move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Maresca continues to indict them for even greater attack options.
Alexander Isaac was another one mentioned after the Swedish striker was looking for a way out of Newcastle, but this move is highly unlikely.
The most likely signature may be Zabi Simons’s, as Dutch seem to dream of joining the Blues ahead of any potential moves.
It may certainly be worth it over the long term to spend the reported fees on roughly £56 million.
What Xavi Simons brings to Chelsea
Simons has been used as an offensive midfielder throughout his career, but since joining RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old has tended to be active on his left flank.
With Chelsea having Cole Palmer, arguably one of Europe’s most amazing offensive midfielders, Simons’ opportunity could come to the sides.
Last season, Simons scored 11 goals and scored eight assists in all competitions, nine of which came from the left.
However, when compared to his position peers in the Bundesliga, he was ranked highly on many important metrics.
In fact, the Dutch are ranked in the top 6% with progressive passes per 90 (5.86), top 15% with shot-making action (4.52), and top 3% with through-ball (0.96) (last third (2.97) per 90.
Combining this with a 20% goal conversion rate on top flights and creating 12 big chances while averaging two key passes per game, Simons will make a big difference for the Chelsea side next season.
If you can secure deals in the coming days for the youngsters, Maresca will certainly be happy with his attack options ahead of the campaign that will begin in a few weeks.
Next on his list is to sign one or two defenders to strengthen his backline. Although several names have been mentioned over the past few weeks, it appears that the club currently has only one target.
Jorrel Hato is that player. Will Maresca be able to secure his signature in the next few days?
Chelsea is approaching another exciting signature
Bruce was keen on the Ajax starlet even before the windows opened, but now appears trapped in the movement.
Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the X on the pursuit of Chelsea players, saying that he “informed the club about his desire to join Chelsea.”
This is good news for Maresca, and it’s certainly only a matter of time before the club announces his signature.
The Dutch will demand a fee of around £52 million to sanction the exit, but considering how much Chelsea have spent so far, an additional £50 million would not hurt.
He has been shining for Ajax since his debut, and while Hato could operate as a centre-back or left-back, Maresca will unleash him on the left side.
When both the pigeons and Simons move to Stamford Bridge, they could form the basis for a strong combination of the left flank.
Why does Chelsea have to sign a Yarrel pigeon?
Hato is still a teenager and just turned 19 in March this year. He is not near the completed article, but judging by the statistics from the previous period, the young man has a great future ahead of him.
Defensively, the pigeons were impressive in the Eredivisi. Not only did he score 52% of the duels he competed per game, but the defenders also averaged 1.9 tackles per game, passing by just 0.3 times per game on top flights.
Number of pigeon leagues per season | |||
---|---|---|---|
statistics | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 |
The game has been played | 11 | 33 | 31 |
The goal scored | 0 | 1 | 2 |
assist | 0 | 2 | 6 |
Touch each game | 57.4 | 94.8 | 67.2 |
Accurate paths for each game | 42.6 (91%) | 72.8 (93%) | 45.2 (90%) |
Total duels per game | 3.1 | 5.5 | 4.1 |
A beautiful sheet | 1 | 5 | 11 |
Statistics based on sofa score |
Talent scout Jacek Kulig welcomed Hato with “huge quality” last season, and was “a great mix of fullbacks, playmaking fullbacks and ball-playing centrebacks,” which could work courtesy of Maresca.
With Simons on the left, the pigeons have all the qualities to form a decent partnership with his fellow countrymen, as evidenced by Krig.
From an offensive standpoint, Hato recorded six assists in the league last year, averaging 0.6 key passes and creating six major opportunities.
Additionally, the teenager ranked in the top 6% with assists per 90 (0.21) when compared to his position peers in the next 14 competitions.
Add the fact that he ranks in the top 11% against the top 2% touches of the opposition penalty area per 90 (2.33), balls per 90 (0.17). The pigeon has all the offensive requirements to star in the left flank behind Simons. That’s certainly true.
It would be an expensive signature for a very young man, but Maresca has a grand plan for pigeons, and he will move from strength to strength over the next few years.
If the club signs both the pigeons and Simons, they will become the forces to be considered next season. There is no doubt about that.
The next few weeks will certainly be interesting for Chelsea loyalists.
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