Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Image credit: Getty Images
Chelsea have intensified their pursuit of Ajax’s highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato, with the West London club reportedly initiating fresh talks to sign the versatile 19-year-old ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
According to multiple reports, Chelsea have made fresh contact with Ajax in recent days and lodged tentative enquiries over a potential €40 million deal for the Netherlands international. However, Ajax are standing firm on a £60 million valuation, creating a significant gap that may complicate negotiations.
Hato, who can operate as both a centre-back and a left-back, has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders. Since breaking into the Ajax first team in 2023, he has made over 100 senior appearances and even captained the Dutch giants at just 18.
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While Chelsea’s interest signals a determined move to strengthen their backline with a long-term solution under manager Enzo Maresca, they are not alone in the race. Arsenal and Liverpool have both closely monitored Hato’s development, with Arsenal in particular having tracked him since the age of 14.
Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato (Image credit: Getty Images)
Earlier in the summer, the Gunners were believed to be leading the race for Hato’s signature. Reports suggested that they had held positive talks with his representatives and presented a six-year contract proposal. Mikel Arteta views Hato as a perfect fit for his tactical system, potentially replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior, both of whom are expected to leave the Emirates.
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Hato’s admiration for current Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who also moved from Ajax and transitioned between centre-back and full-back roles, further fuelled speculation of a switch to North London.
However, Arsenal’s pursuit has cooled in recent weeks as they turn their attention to other defensive targets, including Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera, who has already had his medicals ahead of official announcement.
Ajax, meanwhile, are under no immediate pressure to sell. Hato’s current contract runs until 2028, and the club remains firm in their valuation. Speaking to Het Parool, Ajax technical director Alex Kroes admitted that Hato’s time in Amsterdam may be limited. “Ideally, we will keep Jorrel for a long time,” Kroes said. “But at some point, he will be too good, and he will leave.”
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