Chelsea closing in on deal to sign Ajax star Jorrel Hato

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Ajax defender Jorrel Hato this summer, according to The Athletic.

The online news portal claims that “an agreement between the clubs has yet to be reached but is nearing, with a compromise expected in the coming days on a price worth more than €40million (£34.8m; $46.7m).”

The Blues have already agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old left-back.

Chelsea opened talks with Ajax over a move for the Netherlands international earlier this month.

Arsenal were linked with a move for Hato in January 2024, before he signed a new five-year contract with Ajax last summer.

Hato has racked up 111 first-team appearances for Ajax and has captained the side on several occasions.

He featured primarily as a left-back in 2024-25 but also played as a centre-back, showing his versatility.

Jorrel Hato joined Ajax’s academy in 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam, rising through the youth ranks to feature for the first team. He made his debut for the club in January 2023.

At the national team level, he has made six appearances for the Netherlands.

Chelsea have been very active this summer, bringing in Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, alongside the arrivals of players on pre-existing agreements including Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez.

Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic are among the players to have left the club permanently.