Chelsea 'close in on deal for £35m defender, 19,' wanted by Liverpool and Arsenal

Chelsea are nearing a deal to sign versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato for over £35million as they continue their summer spending spree. 

The Blues have already spent heavily this summer by bringing in Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo and Estevao for a combined sum of over £200m. 

However, they do not appear to be done yet, as The Athletic reports that Enzo Maresca's side are nearing a comprise with Ajax over a transfer for the player. 

Hato, 19, has been capped six times by the Netherlands at senior level having come up through the ranks as a youngster. 

He joined Ajax in 2018 from Sparta Rotterdam and has been a regular member of their first team since making his first appearance in January 2023. 

The Dutchman has played 111 times for Ajax and already captained them, while being deployed at both left-back and centre-back.

MORE TO FOLLOW...