Chelsea are in pole position for Ajax’s teenage defensive sensation Aaron Bouwman, with Manchester City and Arsenal also interested.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are racing ahead in the chase of teenage defensive sensation Aaron Bouwman. The Blues are in touch with Ajax for the teenager, with Manchester City and Arsenal keeping close tabs on the centre-back’s progress, as Enzo Maresca’s side are eager to close a deal.
Chelsea continued their aggressive approach in the transfer market by making many signings that fit into their criteria of a young profile. The West Londoners continued to build a young squad for the present and future, as they angle a move for another talented player, presumably for the future.
Ajax teenage sensation Aaron Bouwman is the latest player that Chelsea want, and amid their ongoing defensive injury problems, the links are timed well. The 17-year-old is yet to play a competitive game for the senior side in Amsterdam, but has already featured for the reserve team, which is where Chelsea scouted him first.
Ajax want a fee of around €40 million, which they believe is justified by the player’s talent and what he could potentially offer in the future. Chelsea, for their part, have shown the knack to invest big and early in talents they deem can have the necessary impact, as seen with their outlay on Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP.
Chelsea recently signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax, and may continue to develop their good relations with the Dutch giants. The Eredivisie side, for their part, are in no rush to sell Bouwman, who still has two years to run on his current deal. Ajax could potentially sell if the price is right, and at the moment, Chelsea are in pole position.
Chelsea face competition from rivals
Chelsea are eager to close the deal for Bouwman, preferably in this window itself, but the interest from domestic rivals could potentially spark a bidding war for the teenager. Arsenal are keen on the defender, as they are still looking for a younger profile at the back, as seen with their recent links to Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet.
Manchester City are also in the mix to bring the best young talents from around. Pep Guardiola’s side are also looking to fast-track a young centre-back to the first team in the upcoming years, which could see them threaten Chelsea in the pursuit of the teenage sensation from Ajax.