Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign long-term Arsenal target Jorrel Hato from Ajax for more than €40m, according to a report.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax, with an agreement yet to be reached but getting nearer. The eventual compromise is expected to be more than €40m (£34.8m).
Ornstein adds that personal terms are already in place for the defender, with Chelsea officially opening club-to-club talks earlier this month.
The report also mentions Arsenal’s interest, with the Gunners identifying Hato as a target in January 2024. But that was when he was running down his contract, before he signed his new five-year deal.
There were rumours that the Gunners could revive their interest this summer, but Arsenal have already signed Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, so their defensive needs have largely been covered.
On top of that, Arsenal have invested a lot of money in this summer’s market in general. The current total is around £200m spread across six players after including add-ons.
If there’s any room left in the budget, it’s more likely Arsenal will want to use it on another attacking player, not a centre-back who can also play at left-back.
Unfortunately, that’s made this the perfect time for Chelsea to make their move. They know Arsenal are unlikely to rival them, which will allow them to have a free run at the signing and avoid a bidding war.