Chelsea close to ‘FANTASTIC’ Jorrel Hato deal

Chelsea are intense negotiations with Ajax over a transfer for Jorrel Hato, and a “fantastic” agreement appears close for the promising defender.

Hato was notably absent from the Ajax squad that played in the Como Cup final on Sunday, suggesting the talks are at an advanced stage, and leading transfer experts in the Dutch media say that a move is close.

Chelsea initially bid €40 million for the 19-year-old but the Amsterdam club rejected this offer, claiming that the figure was too low. Instead, Ajax were hoping to land a deal between €55-60m.

Negotiations, though, appear to have gone smoothly, according to Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf.

He reports: “The expectation is that both clubs will find a middle ground. Around the Johan Cruijff ArenA, people are saying: ‘€50 million is also a fantastic amount.’”

Hato, who Arsenal also followed earlier this summer, has an Expected Transfer Value (ETV) of €46.2m, so any price around this mark would appear to represent fair value to all parties.

Pushing for a move

Hato reportedly asked Ajax’s management to leave him out of the squad that suffered a 3-0 loss to Como on Sunday. It is claimed that he feared that he might pick up an injury that would prevent him from making the move to Chelsea – a switch that he is “eager” to complete, according to Dutch sources.

The teenager had an excellent season under manager Francesco Farioli. As a left-back, Hato regularly impressed with strong performances, and those results may now earn him a move to Chelsea.

Although he is under contract with Ajax until the summer of 2028, he is currently setting his sights on a move to the Premier League.

Hato is a young defender with immense potential, and if this deal goes right, it could be a spectacular move for both him and Chelsea. There are lingering doubts over the Blues’ suitability, however.

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