Regardless of whether Chelsea qualify for the Champions League next season, this summer is huge for Enzo Maresca if he is to continue his progression in the role.
The Italian joined from Leicester City back in June 2024, but has still had his doubters despite the possibility of a top five finish in the Premier League in the next few weeks.
The hierarchy may once again need to get the chequebook out during the off-season, with it being reported that a striker is top of their shopping list.
Such a decision is no surprise given their hunt for a new talisman over the previous couple of windows since the 45-year-old’s appointment nearly 12 months ago.
However, another position has emerged as an area for improvement during the upcoming window, with one player already appearing on their radar once again.
The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new centre-back
Over the last couple of days, it emerged that Chelsea were back in the race for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi after previously wanting to sign him in January.
The 24-year-old was once on the books of the Blues, but sold him to the Eagles for £18m in 2021 – a decision that looks to be a huge mistake given their interest in his signature. It was also reported that the club are willing to part ways with either Trevoh Chalobah or Tosin Adarabioyo to raise funds to secure a return for the England international.
However, he’s not the only centre-back to emerge on their radar, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen the latest star touted with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues aren’t alone in their hunt for his signature, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid also in the race to land the Spanish international during the off-season.
According to Simon Phillips, the Blues have held another round of positive talks with his representatives, advancing a deal that could see them trigger his £50m release clause in the summer.
Why the £50m star would be a better signing than Guehi
Guehi’s rise away from his boyhood club has been nothing short of sensational, exceeding beyond all imagination during his near four-year spell at Selhurst Park.
The 24-year-old has taken the responsibility of taking the captain’s armband under Oliver Glasner’s guidance, with his subsequent showings cementing his place in the England national team setup.
He was a key member of Gareth Southgate’s side at Euro 2024, missing just one game and starting in the 2-1 final defeat against Spain back in July of last year. However, despite his glittering rise to stardom, fellow transfer target Huijsen would undoubtedly be a better signing given the fact he’s five years younger, whilst also producing numerous better stats in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.
The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered more progressive carries and completed more of his passes – highlighting his excellent ability with the ball at his feet.
He’s also dominated defensively, winning more tackles per 90 and making more interceptions per game – offering Maresca that added defensive quality he’s desperately desired.
Huijsen has managed to thrive in the air too, winning more of his aerial battles to date, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.
Whilst £50m may appear to be a huge fee for a 19-year-old, it’s evident from the stats he’s produced this campaign that he possesses serious quality, such that it is way beyond his teenage years.
Elite-level defenders are extremely hard to come by in the modern game, with Huijsen the perfect player to solve their issues at the back, ending a chance of a fairytale reunion with Guehi in the process.
