Chelsea open contact with Ajax as next signing targeted | OneFootball

Chelsea have made official contact with Ajax to discuss a deal for defender Jorrel Hato.

Enzo Maresca is continuing to invest in his squad with further additions expected despite more than £220m worth of signings so far this summer.

Chelsea are pushing to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and have now approached the midfielder’s Netherlands teammate, Hato.

Chelsea are bidding to win the race to sign Hato, who is regarded as one of Ajax’s best academy products in several seasons.

The 19-year-old has already made 111 senior appearances for Ajax and was named Eredivisie Talent of the Year for 2024/25.

Hato featured predominantly at left-back last season, where he scored twice and provided six assists in 31 Eredivisie appearances. However, his long-term future is considered to be at centre-back.

Liverpool have also tracked the Dutchman’s progress in Amsterdam, with Hato on the Reds’ radar, alongside Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. Arne Slot’s side want to sign a replacement for Jarell Quansah, who has joined Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea are now hopeful of winning the race with Fabrizio Romano reporting that an official ‘club-to-club’ approach has taken place. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with Hato open to a move to the Premier League.

Read – Chelsea could use midfielder as makeweight in transfer deal

See more – Chelsea ‘advancing’ in talks to sign Leipzig midfielder

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