Chelsea blow Arsenal out of the water in Dutch wonderkid race

Willem Leijgraf

• Updated: 11 Jan 2025 15:19 GMT
• 3 min read

Ajax must fear the departure of Jorrel Hato, according to a report.

CaughtOffside claims that the 18-year-old defender is in the spotlight of several European top clubs, with Chelsea currently leading the race for his signature.

If an interested party is actually prepared to shell out a sizeable fee for Hato this month, it will be difficult to say 'no' given Ajax's financial situation.

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Hato is doing well despite the two lean years of Ajax in terms of sporting success. The four-time Netherlands international has unsurprisingly been one of the few bright spots during this disappointing period and that has, according to the latest reports, attracted the interest of Chelsea and Arsenal.

Real Madrid are also still interested in the versatile and highly-rated defender, who has been playing regularly for Ajax since age 17.

Chelsea want Hato

Chelsea are keeping an eye on Hato, who signed a five-year contract last year and is therefore tied to Ajax until 2028. The Blues will have to pay a hefty transfer fee for the arrival of the young left-footer, as the Amsterdammers are demanding an amount of around €50 million.

In England, people are aware of the financial situation of Ajax, who must first generate income in order to subsequently be able to attract reinforcements. Earlier statements by technical director Alex Kroes are also cited, in which the director indicated that the Amsterdam club management would consider serious bids for key players.

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Hato is not allowed to leave Ajax in principle, but sources around Chelsea report that the Londoners are very charmed by the talented defender. This is partly due to his potential and versatility.

In order to free up budget, Chelsea are prepared to sell Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, so that Hato can be signed. The midfielder was signed from Leicester City last summer €35m but does not feature much in Enzo Maresca's plans for this season.