Transfer business involving Chelsea and Arsenal has become more frequent than ever in the last few years, and now both clubs are firmly in the race for the same player.
The Gunners have already completed the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga as their back-up goalkeeper, and while the transfer fee was relatively low the Blues will be delighted to see his wage bill finally leave the club.
They are also set to sign Noni Madueke, after he departed the squad just hours before their Club World Cup triumph over PSG.
Mikel Arteta personally reached out to convince Madueke of the move, and the official announcement of his switch is expected imminently.
Enzo Maresca issues instructions during Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
Chelsea ‘most advanced’ in race to sign Jorrel Hato
As far as transfer targets who are wanted by both clubs go, Jorrel Hato is a name who is frequently being reported as someone both would love to sign.
Hato would provide perfect cover for Marc Cucurella, with Chelsea not having another recognised left-back in their first team squad.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that the Blues are actually the most advanced of the clubs interested in Hato, with Liverpool also tracking him, however a deal is not close to being completed at this time.
He added: “Hato is expecting to leave and yeah, Chelsea do like him. it’s a really fascinating one with him. It’s like do I think there is the situation of do Arsenal come back in and step up? I think that might be the only problem for Chelsea really, as we know know Arsenal have been working on that for a long, long time but that won’t stop him going to Chelsea in any way shape or form.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
“At the moment it’s a two-horse race but Liverpool are in the mix as well. It’s between Arsenal and Chelsea but Liverpool are there as well I’m not sure whether I haven’t had it confirmed that an offer has gone in yet for Hato from Chelsea, but there’s certainly talks ongoing there with him and it does seems he’s not the only one who Chelsea are looking at, but he’s very high on their list and they do like him an awful lot.
“I don’t think we particularly need to see others go first. Chelsea, as we know, are happy to sign players and then look at them afterwards. So, yeah, let’s see where we go. But Hato, yeah, we’ll keep an eye on that.”
Jorrel Hato celebrates victory after Portugal U21 v Holland U21 -EURO U21
Photo by Jeroen van den Berg/Soccrates/Getty Images
Chelsea prepared to sell to sign Hato
Given the necessity that there is for Chelsea to add to the left-back position this summer, they seem to be willing to give up a fair amount to make sure the deal goes through.
It has been reported that both Ben Chilwell and Renato Veiga are expected to leave after falling out of favour with manager Enzo Maresca.
Whoever secures the signing of the Dutchman will be safe in the knowledge that they are signing a highly-rated player. Former Ajax manager described Hato as ‘special’ (Goal).