Chelsea set to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato | OneFootball

Chelsea are on the verge of completing a deal to sign exciting young defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax, according to The Athletic.

While no final agreement has been reached to bring Hato to West London, negotiations are progressing well, with a deal worth over €40 million (£34.7m) expected to be sealed in the coming days.

The 19-year-old Netherlands international has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, showing a clear willingness to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

Hato was on Arsenal’s radar back in January 2024, but he chose to commit his future to Ajax at the time, signing a new five-year contract.

The versatile defender has developed into one of the finest young defenders in the world and is now set for a lucrative move to Chelsea.

Hato has already made over 100 senior appearances and has also captained the Eredivisie powerhouse on several occasions.

He was mostly used as a left back last season, but he’s versatile enough to slot comfortably into a centre-back role when required.

Hato has been capped six times by the Netherlands and is regarded as one of the most promising defensive prospects in Europe.

Having joined Ajax’s academy from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018, he’s risen through the ranks with impressive consistency and maturity.

His first-team debut came in January 2023, and he has been a mainstay ever since.

Hato fits the mould of a modern defender and would be an exceptional signing for Chelsea. He is composed on the ball, calm under pressure, progressive in possession, and tactically intelligent.

He is already a strong 1v1 defender and reads the game well, but he still has to develop physically as he makes the move to the Premier League..

Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market this summer. Hato would join a group of new signings that includes Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Dario Essugo.

Once the deal for Hato goes through, Chelsea will focus their attention on RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

The 22-year-old is keen to join the Blues, and talks between both clubs are believed to be progressing well.