Chelsea appear to have turned their attention to Jorrel Hato after missing out on Dean Huijsen. The Bournemouth centre-half was [heavily linked with a move to numerous Premier League clubs](http://Jorrel Hato), including the Blues, before deciding to join Real Madrid.
On Saturday morning, the Cherries announced that Huijsen will join Los Blancos at the end of the season. Real Madrid activated the £50m release clause in his contract at the Vitality Stadium, making him the most expensive defender in the club's history.
The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Spanish giants, sending Chelsea back to square one in the search for a new centre-half. In fact, according to Team Talk, the west Londoners have quickly turned their attention to Hato.
The 18-year-old defender, whose contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena expires in June 2028, has featured 31 times for Ajax in the Eredivisie this season, scoring two goals and providing six assists. Playing a key role in Francesco Farioli's side, Hato helped the Dutch giants secure UEFA Champions League qualification, finishing in second place.
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been linked with a move to Chelsea
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been linked with a move to Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
His impressive performances haven't gone under the radar, with lots of top clubs said to be chasing his signature. Team Talk claims that 'internal discussions' about the Netherlands international are ongoing at Stamford Bridge.
But, Chelsea reportedly face tough competition from Liverpool, AC Milan and Arsenal. The report adds that Hato, who made his 100th appearance for Ajax in March, has been given a price tag in the region of €50m (£42m).
Speaking to Dutch newspaper Het Parool in December, the Ajax technical director conceded that Hato, who can play left-back and centre-back, will one day leave. Alex Kroes said: "Football clubs are cash-driven.
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been linked with a move to Arsenal
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
"With the sale of Steven Bergwijn last summer - he brought in €21m (£17.6m) - we are no longer standing with our backs against the wall. At the same time, I have to think seriously about every big offer.
"Ideally, we keep Jorrel for a long time, and he will play in the Champions League at Ajax next season. But at some point, he will be too good, and he will leave. We have to be proud of that. That has been our business model for a long time."
Then, in an interview with Dutch publication ELF Voetbal back in October, Hato commented on Jurrien Timber's move to the Emirates Stadium. As quoted by the Evening Standard, the Chelsea target said: "Unfortunately, he was seriously injured in his first Premier League game for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him.
Jorrel Hato of AFC Ajax applauds for the fans during the Dutch Eredivisie match between AFC Ajax and PSV at Johan Cruijff Arena on November 2, 2024
Jorrel Hato after Ajax's clash against PSV Eindhoven (Image: Photo by Andre Weening/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
"In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go."
Speaking The Athletic in September, Hato reflected on the 2023/2024 campaign. He said: "This season was let's say it was a learning season for all of us. But even more so for me as an 18-year-old guy. I can take these learnings in the future."
On his future, Hato added: "I want to achieve more, to achieve big things with Ajax; championships, playing in Europe, being at the highest levels of the Champions League.
"It's not rare people are going to speculate, or think that I'll go to another club but, for me, it was always; 'I want to stay at Ajax and achieve things'."
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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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