Chelsea close to signing long-term Arsenal target as talks CONFIRMED

Cameron Smith

3 May 2025 06:00 BST
3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly eager to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato during the upcoming summer transfer window.

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The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with an Ajax exit for several months, amid significant interest from multiple top clubs in Europe, and Chelsea are set to intensify their pursuit of his signature over the next few weeks.

Current ETV

Jorrel Hato

D (L)

Ajax

Jorrel Hato

D (L)

Ajax

ETV Range

€41.6M - €50.9M

Sky Sports News report that Chelsea are “seriously considering” a move for the 19-year-old this summer, while Dutch publication Telegraaf claim that Enzo Maresca’s side have already initiated talks to sign him.

Arsenal and Liverpool are both known admirers of Hato, with the former holding a long-standing interest in his services following an impressive breakout onto the senior stage.

However, Chelsea are determined to win the race for his signature as they look to bolster the defensive options at Maresca’s disposal.

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Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi and Ben Chilwell are all reportedly set to be sold by the Blues, while Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah may also depart Stamford Bridge on permanent deals amid the club’s pursuit of Marc Guehi and Dean Huijsen.

Reports indicate that academy star Ishe Samuels-Smith may be given a chance in the first-team next campaign, but Chelsea are still hoping to bring Hato to west London as they look to land a suitable competitor to Marc Cucurella at left-back.

Like Samuels-Smith, Hato is capable of playing as a central defender or as a left-back and he has already racked up a whopping 108 senior appearances for Ajax since making his debut back in January 2023 at just 16 years of age.

Jorrel Hato to leave Ajax?

Hato still has three years remaining on his current contract at Ajax, although widespread reports suggest that he is expected to leave the Eredivisie giants this summer as a host of Premier League clubs eye a potential deal.

The Dutchman has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €46.3m, but Ajax may reportedly hold out for a fee in excess of €50m in order to sanction a sale.