Arsenal initiate talks to HIJACK €60m Chelsea transfer

Arsenal have initiated talks with Ajax as they look to hijack Chelsea’s proposed move for Jorrel Hato, according to a bombshell report in Spain.

The Netherlands international is eager to join Chelsea before the end of the 2025 summer transfer window, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to complete a deal soon.

However, Arsenal have begun negotiations with Ajax in a bid to steal Hato away from Chelsea.

That is according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who state that Arsenal are confident of winning the race for Hato’s signature, with the 19-year-old seen as a “long-term strategic investment” by the Gunners.

Hato has racked up 111 senior appearances for Ajax and his versatility to play at both centre-back and left-back is seen as a key trait by multiple top clubs across Europe.

Chelsea lead race for Jorrel Hato

Although Fichajes claim that Arsenal are eager to beat Chelsea to Hato’s signature this summer, the Dutchman is unlikely to secure an Emirates Stadium switch.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already completed the signing of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera so far this summer, while they still have William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko as options to cover the centre-back and left-back positions.

As a result, Chelsea remain the frontrunners to land Hato ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Chelsea have already reached a verbal agreement with the 19-year-old over personal terms, as per CaughtOffside, although they are yet to finalise a transfer fee with Ajax.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claim that Ajax have set their asking price at between €55-60 million, while Fabrizio Romano states that €40m may be enough for Chelsea to land the Netherlands international.

Hato has reportedly set his sights on completing a move to Chelsea and he has informed Ajax of his desire to join the reigning Club World Cup champions this summer.

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