Chelsea have opened talks for the signing of Arsenal-linked Jorrel Hato of Ajax, with the player reportedly keen on the move.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea have made formal contact with Ajax over the potential signing of Jorrel Hato, who has also previously been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Romano writes that Hato is understood to be keen on the move, and he’s already prepared to accept personal terms at Chelsea. But negotiations are ongoing, with no club-to-club agreement yet.
Arsenal were at one point very heavily linked with Hato, though that was primarily before the player signed a contract extension with Ajax last year.
There were rumours that the Gunners could revive their interest this summer, and perhaps Chelsea’s move will spur them into action on that front. But Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign 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. Once Mosquera and Viktor Gyokeres arrive, the total will be around £200m spread across six players.
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.
Perhaps that makes it the perfect time for Chelsea to make their move. Though Arsenal clearly like Hato, this doesn’t feel like the right window for the Gunners to try to lure him away.