Chelsea have opened talks with Ajax over a move to sign star defender Jorrel Hato this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed on the Market Madness podcast.
The Blues have so far had a busy transfer window, strengthening their attack with the arrivals of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens for a combined fee of around £150m.
But after being crowned the new Club World Cup champions following a surprise victory over PSG, the west London club are now looking at ways to bolster the defence and have identified the Netherlands international as a target.
Sources: Chelsea Open Talks for Hato
Ajax want £60m, but Chelsea confident of lowering price
Jorrel Hato
Hato, who has been described as 'elite' by scout Ben Mattinson, has been a key member of the Ajax squad for several seasons now despite his tender age of just 19.
Capable of playing at both centre-back and left-back, the Ajax academy graduate has attracted interest from some of the Premier League's top clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool as well as Chelsea, and is believed to be open to a move to the English top-flight this summer.
The Eredivisie club don't want to sell their captain and have set an initial asking price of £60m for the defender, but Chelsea believe they could secure his signature for closer to £40m.
Jorrel Hato Eredivise Stats 2024/25
Games
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Tackles p/g
Interceptions p/g
Clearances p/g
Blocks p/g
However, there is currently no release clause in his contract at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, meaning Ajax are likely to drive a hard bargain for a player who remains under contract until 2028.
Chelsea are keen to bring in cover for first-choice left-back Marc Cucurella and left-sided centre-back Levi Colwill this summer, and see Hato as an ideal fit for their project while also being versatile enough to compete in both positions.
Arsenal Interest in Hato Cools
Mosquera set to join from Valencia
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato in action
While Chelsea push ahead with talks for the defender, who captained the Netherlands in the Under-21 European Championships this summer as they suffered defeat to England in the final, Arsenal's interest has now cooled.
The Gunners had been keen on the defender, but are now set to welcome defender Cristhian Mosquera to the club from Valencia after striking an agreement for the Spaniard.
It's possible that Arsenal could still add a new left-back to the side this summer, with Kieran Tierney having departed following his contract expiry while Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to move on. Hato has been playing primarily as a centre-back in recent times, which would seemingly rule him out of the running for the role.
Liverpool remain keen, but Chelsea have made the first move and talks are ongoing with Ajax.
Watch and listen to GIVEMESPORT's brand-new podcast,Market Madness, on your favourite podcast platforms.
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox
All statistics courtesy of WhoScored - correct as of 16/07/2025.
Levi Colwill in action for Chelsea Related
Levi Colwill: Chelsea Planning to Win Premier League Amid Club World Cup Victory
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is seeking more silverware after winning the Club World Cup