He's better than Gittens: Chelsea in talks to sign "world-class" £64m star
da realbet： With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.
da spicy bet： The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.
However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.
However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.
The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer
Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.
Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.
However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.
The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.
It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).
Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens
Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.
The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.
The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.
Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.
When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.
Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.
He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.
How Leao compares to Gittens in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Leao
Gittens
Games played
33
30
Goals & assists
16
11
Progressive passes
3.6
2.1
Passes into final third
1.5
0.8
Shot-creating actions
4.4
3.7
Take-ons completed
46%
45%
Aerials won
57%
41%
Stats via FBref
His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.
£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.
As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.
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