Chelsea are in talks to sign highly-rated Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is also of interest to Arsenal and Liverpool.
Hato, 19, is one of the most promising Dutch players to have come through for some time and already has more than 100 games under his belt for the Amsterdam giants.
And now his agent Humphry Nijman has confirmed to De Telegraaf that the wonderkid is about to be in talks with the Blues.
When asked, he responded: ‘The only thing I can say is that Jorrel is now going to talk to Chelsea.’
Hato is a left-back who can also play in central defence – with Liverpool also interested following the departure of Jarrell Quansah.
He is a name on the radar of Arne Slot and Co, as reported by Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele, while Arsenal have also followed him closely.
Jorrel Hato is in talks with Chelsea over a summer transfer from boyhood side Ajax
Enzo Maresca is still looking to add to his squad having already made a number of additions
Arne Slot and Liverpool have also been keeping tabs on the talented 19-year-old
But it now appears as though Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are stealing a march on their rivals for his signature.
Chelsea have already made a splash in the transfer market, signing Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Estevao.
Noni Madueke’s £52m move to Arsenal and the huge Club World Cup victory earnings have helped boost the coffers.
Ajax are thought to value Hato in the region of £60m, so it would be another significant outlay for the Stamford Bridge club.
Hato played for the Dutch side at the Euro Under 21s tournament this summer where they lost 2-1 to England in the semi-finals.
Liverpool are interested in Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi, who will become a free agent next summer.
Which could pave the way for the Blues to have a clear run at Hato, who could provide cover for Marc Cucurella at left-back or challenge for a starting role in the heart of defence.
Arsenal are also well stocked in the defensive department, with Gabriel, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and incoming Cristhian Mosquera, who is expected to join for £17m.
