Real Madrid and Arsenal are apparently trailing Chelsea in their pursuit of 18-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is valued by the Dutch powerhouses at almost £40 million.
Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have both suffered injuries in recent weeks, and there are concerns that the former may miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring issue, further taxing Enzo Maresca’s defensive ranks.
Maresca recently hinted that he might not play again before the end of the season, but Fofana said that he is aiming for a return in March and that there are no assurances that he will return by the spring.
In addition to Badiashile and Fofana’s ailments, banished left-back Ben Chilwell is expected to depart the team this month or in the summer, and Axel Disasi is also expected to leave quickly due to rumours of a move to Serie A.
According to CaughtOffside, the Blues are in the lead to acquire Hato, and defensive reinforcements may be high on their list given that captain Reece James cannot be relied to stay healthy either.
Chelsea told to pay £40m for Hato?
The defender, who was born in 2006, has already made 90 appearances for Ajax, tallying four goals and eight assists. In 29 games this season, he has three goals and five assists.
Throughout his early career, Hato has played all over the backline, but this season, the 18-year-old has only appeared on the left side, playing both as a wing-back and an outright left-back.
Therefore, the Netherlands international might take Chilwell’s spot at Stamford Bridge, and it is said that Chelsea is now ahead of both Arsenal and Real Madrid in the ‘prodigy” battle.
The Blues will reportedly have to pay between £40 million and £45 million for a player who is still under contract with Ajax for three and a half more seasons, but Hato’s youth and versatility make him an extremely appealing proposition.
Hato’s long-term stay in Amsterdam is allegedly something that Ajax’s technical director Alex Kroes is eager to see happen, although he acknowledges that the team would not be able to refuse such an offer.
Which players could Chelsea sell for Hato funds?
For a club of Chelsea’s financial calibre, a £40 million or £45 million deal shouldn’t be an issue, although sales might still need to be made first as the team carefully navigates Financial Fair Play rules.
Chelsea is trying to find a new club for Cesare Casadei, one of three midfield players who may look for new opportunities in the coming weeks, in addition to the previously mentioned Chilwell and Disasi.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have also been predicted to depart Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, and Christopher Nkunku’s long-term future is also unclear.
The team loaned out at least 13 players over the summer, some of them, including Trevoh Chalobah, Raheem Sterling, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Armando Broja, may soon be released on a permanent basis.
After defeating Morecambe 5-0 in the FA Cup’s third round over the weekend, Chelsea will play their next Premier League game on Tuesday against Bournemouth at home.
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