Chelsea are 'seriously considering' making a move to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer, according to reports. The Blues are working hard to strengthen their back-line with next season in mind, and have identified the 19-year-old as suitable target.
Hato has established himself as one of Europe's most talented young defenders, having impressed with Ajax since breaking into the first-team two-years-ago. He has been a virtual ever-present for the Amsterdam club this season, making 46 appearances across all competitions.
And Hato's form has caught the attention of several top sides across Europe with Chelsea among those interested in signing him. According to Sky Sports, the Blues are strongly deliberating a move for the teenager, who has three years left on his contract and is valued at around £40million.
Chelsea have a long-standing interest in Hato and is seen a player they 'admire'. The Blues are understood to be watching him closely ahead of a potential summer transfer. Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked, while Real Madrid are tracking his progress.
While Ajax are keen to keep hold of Hato, they are desperate to sell him to the highest bidder. It's reported that they would not shut the door on discussions if a £40m bid came in.
Chelsea are not shying away from their strategy to acquire young talent, who can immediately fight for a spot in their first-team. The Blues are said to want further additions in defence, especially at left-back. Even in the centre, Enzo Maresca's side have flattered to deceive, having kept just eight Premier League clean sheets this term.
It's no shock that Chelsea are eyeing up defensive reinforcements, and Hato isn't the only player they are looking at. Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen has been targeted after excelling since his move from Juventus last summer.
Although the Blues have one eye firmly on the summer window, their main focus is on qualifying for next season's Champions League and winning the Conference League. Maresca's side host Liverpool in a crucial game in the top-five race on Sunday afternoon, as they aim to secure their place in Europe's elite club competition.
They face a Liverpool side who are fresh off the back of securing the Premier League title. Speaking ahead of the match-up, Maresca said: "It's always nice to play in this kind of game, but I don't think they [Liverpool] will be any different or relaxed because they have already won the title.
"They are a very good team and deserved to win the Premier League this season. The gap is there, you can see clearly. My feeling is we are in the right direction and, hopefully, this gap can be smaller and closer next season.
"Perhaps the difference [between the two sides] is that they have probably been a lot more consistent compared to us over the entire season. For parts of the season, we were very good. Then we lost some games and this is the main reason why. Liverpool did not lose many games in these periods.
"Also, in terms of experienced players who know how to win games and these kind of things, they have something more compared to us."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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