Ajax defender Jorrel Hato asked to be omitted from the Dutch giants’ pre-season match against Como on Sunday as he looks to complete a move to Chelsea, reports in the Netherlands claim.
The Blues are in talks with the highly touted 19-year-old, who has also been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal in this transfer window.
However, it now appears that Chelsea are close to winning the race for one of the most promising Dutch prospects in years, given his reluctance to take to the field for the Amsterdam club.
Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad reported that the versatile defender told new Ajax boss John Heitinga that he would ‘rather not play’ in the side’s Como Cup final defeat to Como on Sunday.
The outlet claim that the decision is ‘entirely related’ to his potential move to Stamford Bridge though ‘that doesn’t say anything about the status of negotiations, which are currently difficult’.
Ajax are believed to be holding out for a fee in the £60million for their academy product who has three years remaining on his contract. Last week, ESPN reported that the Blues’ initial bid for the teenager was rejected, but aware of the defender’s desire to leave, Ajax have responded with a counter offer.
Ajax defender Jorrel Hato asked to be omitted from the Dutch giant’s pre-season match against Como on Sunday
Last Wednesday, Hato’s agent Humphry Nijman confirmed to De Telegraaf that the wonderkid is about to be in talks with the Blues. Pictured: Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
New Ajax boss was reportedly told by the defender that he would ‘rather not play’ against Como
Last Wednesday, his agent Humphry Nijman 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. According to Fabrizio Romano, he has agreed personal terms with the London club.
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.
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.
