Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign Ajax and Dutch national team defender Jorrel Hato.
According to The Chelsea Chronicle on Monday (28 July), the 19-year-old has become a target for several Premier League clubs thanks to his ability to play centre-back or left-back.
This positional flexibility makes him a highly sought-after asset in this summer’s transfer market.
Chelsea are said to be big admirers of Hato and have already submitted a formal offer to Ajax.
However, the Eredivisie club rejected the offer. However, Ajax is believed to have merely delayed the player’s seemingly inevitable departure. Hato’s strong interest in a Premier League career was the main driving factor in the negotiations.
Hato has reportedly rejected offers from two other unnamed Premier League clubs.
This strengthens Chelsea’s position as the favorite to secure the player’s signature. Hato has even reportedly told Ajax that he wants to join the Blues.
Chelsea now only need to agree on a transfer fee with Ajax to complete the deal before the transfer window closes.
The London club is actively strengthening its squad under new coach Enzo Maresca. So far, they have brought in promising young players like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Liam Delap.
In addition to strengthening their attack, Chelsea also aims to strengthen their defense. Hato is projected to be a backup and competitor for Marc Cucurella, who featured regularly last season.
The decision to bring in a talented young player like Hato is in line with Chelsea’s long-term transfer policy of building a youthful squad.
The news of Hato’s potential move to Stamford Bridge is a breath of fresh air for Maresca, who are in need of defensive depth.
If the deal goes through, Hato would be one of the most important signings of the season and strengthen Chelsea’s ambitions to return to the top of the Premier League.