Chelsea leads Arsenal in race for Ajax’s Wonderkid

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato, as Arsenal and Liverpool scramble to keep up in the heated Hato transfer battle.

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Ajax’s highly rated young defender Jorrel Hato, despite strong competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, Hato’s transfer battle is expected to be intense. The 19-year-old Dutch starlet has been attracting significant attention across Europe, with his versatility and composure making him one of the most sought-after young defenders in the game.

According to reports from Sky Sport, Chelsea have already held initial talks with Ajax regarding a potential transfer for Hato. The Blues are keen to bolster their defensive options, particularly at left-back, where Ben Chilwell’s injury struggles have left them vulnerable. Hato, who can operate both as a center-back and left-back, has already amassed over 100 senior appearances for Ajax and has also featured for the Netherlands national team.

While Chelsea appear to be leading the charge, Arsenal and Liverpool remain firmly in the race for Hato’s signature. Arsenal had previously considered signing Hato last summer but opted for other targets instead. However, with their defensive depth still a concern, they could reignite their interest.

Liverpool, on the other hand, see Hato as a potential long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson, who is entering the latter stages of his peak years. The Reds are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, knowing that Chelsea’s aggressive transfer strategy could force them into action.

Ajax are willing to sell Hato this summer if the right offer comes in. While the Dutch giants would prefer to keep hold of their young star, they are aware of the growing interest and could be tempted by a bid in the region of £40 million. Hato’s contract runs until June 2028, meaning Ajax hold a strong negotiating position, but they may be open to discussions if a substantial offer is made.

With Chelsea already making moves, Arsenal and Liverpool will need to act fast if they want to prevent the Blues from securing Hato’s signature. The coming weeks could see a transfer tug-of-war between the three clubs, with Ajax set to play a crucial role in deciding the young defender’s future.