Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing 18-year-old Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato, a target for Arsenal and Real Madrid.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Jorrel Hato is the subject of interest from Chelsea. Real Madrid and Arsenal are also keen on signing the Ajax wonderkid. However, the Blues have leapfrogged the other suitors in the race to secure the youngster’s services. Meanwhile, the Eredivisie giants might consider parting ways with the Dutch defensive sensation if they receive bids of around £40-45 million.
The rise and rise of Jorrel Hato
Jorrel Hato has gone from strength to strength since breaking into the first-team squad at Ajax. A native of Rotterdam, the Dutchman began his youth career in his hometown before joining Ajax in 2018. Since then, he has progressed through the ranks at the Amsterdam-based club before making his senior bow as a 16-year-old in January 2023.
The 18-year-old has gone from strength to strength in the last two years, becoming a mainstay at the back for Ajax. Hato has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for the Eredivisie club while chipping in with four goals and eight assists. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
A man in demand
The Dutch defensive sensation has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. The Gunners remain keen on signing the teenage wonderkid, who can be a multi-faceted solution at the back. So, amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasi, the Netherlands international is a viable target for Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s interest in Jorrel Hato makes sense. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a new long-term for Eder Militao, as Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are on the wrong side of 30. In addition, the Dutchman can be an option for the left-back spot, making him an option worth considering for Real Madrid.
As for Chelsea, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are keen on signing Hato this month, with Wesley Fofana and Badiashile on the sidelines with fitness issues. They are ready to sell Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and other players to balance the books and make room for the teenage sensation.
The 18-year-old Dutch wonderkid will cost around £40-45 million. So, Chelsea might rack up the funds to secure Hato’s services if they sell multiple players this month. It will be interesting to see if the Blues beat Arsenal and Real Madrid to the signature of the Netherlands international.
