Revealed: The key role Chelsea want Marc Cucurella to play in Jorrel Hato's development as Blues close in on €43m transfer

According to The Athletic, Chelsea view Cucurella as an ideal figure to help guide Hato through his early days in England. The Spaniard, who endured a challenging start to his Chelsea career before cementing his place as a key performer, is seen as a fitting role model. The club believes that his journey from adversity to admiration at Stamford Bridge can serve as a valuable example for the young Dutchman.

The eight-year age gap between the two players is believed to be an asset, with the club hierarchy confident that the dynamic between them could blossom into a fruitful mentor-mentee partnership. Cucurella will be expected to provide Hato with both guidance and a gradual introduction to the demands of top-level English football.

While not a direct replica of Cucurella in playing style or physique, Hato brings his own set of impressive attributes. At six feet tall (182 cm), he presents a more aerially dominant figure, a key advantage against the aerial bombardments often used by Premier League teams. Though there is no immediate pressure on him to displace Cucurella in the starting XI, his accelerated development suggests he could challenge for regular minutes sooner than many expect.

Chelsea’s transfer strategy is focused on providing Maresca with versatile tools across all areas of the pitch. Hato’s acquisition fits perfectly into this blueprint, offering coverage at left-back while also being capable of slotting into a back three if needed. His medical is expected to take place in the coming days, paving the way for an official announcement of his arrival. The Blues are pushing to finalise everything before their pre-season showdown with Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, August 8.