A lot has been made of Chelsea's search for a new goalkeeper this summer, but what about some cover for Marc Cucurella? The Blues should do whatever it takes to wrap up a deal for Jorrel Hato before other Premier League clubs catch wind of the bargain on offer at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The Ajax defender has been linked with a move to the Premier League on numerous occasions in the past, but a switch has never materialised. Last season, he featured 31 times in the Eredivisie, scoring two goals and providing six assists.
Starting all but four games, Hato helped the Dutch giants finish in second place and qualify for the Champions League. The 19-year-old, who made his 100th appearance for Ajax in March, played at left-back for much of the campaign despite having starred as a centre-half in previous years.
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Hato's meteoric rise to the first team hasn't gone under the radar, attracting interest from some top clubs across Europe. football.london understands that the Netherlands international is on Chelsea's radar, along with a few other defenders.
It's understood that there have been tentative enquiries about Hato from Stamford Bridge, with the Blues contacting Ajax about a potential move. Arsenal are also reportedly keen on the teenager, who recently commented on his future.
Discussing his development at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Hato said: "In the Dutch league, you have to show how good you are against the big clubs. Ultimately I have to continue to develop the things I am already good at, so that it becomes top.
"How do I describe my time at Ajax? Ajax is home for me. I just feel at home here. I still have plenty of time. I don't think: I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years."
Hato would be an excellent addition to the Chelsea squad, having previously played centre-half and left-back. Not only would he provide cover for Cucurella at left-back, tucking inside as an inverted full-back, the Dutchman could also deputise Levi Colwill during the congested fixture schedules.
football.london understands that that the Blues view Hato's versatility as a massive green flag, and it's a key reason why they could explore a potential deal down the line. Ishe Samuels-Smith would be a good option, but he's been linked with a move to Strasbourg recently.
The teenager is also yet to make an senior appearance for Chelsea since signing in 2023. Speaking to Dutch newspaper Het Parool back in December, Ajax's technical director conceded that Hato, who Transfermarkt currently value at £30m, will one day leave.
Alex Kroes said: "Football clubs are cash-driven. With the sale of Steven Bergwijn last summer - he brought €21m (£17.6m) - we are no longer standing with our backs against the wall. At the same time, I have to think seriously about every big offer."
On Hato, whose contract expires in June 2028, Kroes added: "Ideally, we will keep Jorrel for a long time and he will play in the Champions League at Ajax next season.
"But at some point, he will be too good, and he will leave. We have to be proud of that. And that has been our business model for a long time."
