Chelsea have discovered what it would take to sign Jorrel Hato after resuming talks to sign the young Ajax defender.
The Blues have set out their stall in the summer transfer market, bringing in Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr for a combined fee of around £190million.
But Stamford Bridge bosses are determined to further strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad and attentions have turned to bringing in defensive reinforcements, as well as a high-class replacement for the error-prone Robert Sanchez.
Widespread reports earlier this summer suggested Chelsea had made initial enquiries to gauge Hato’s potential availability on the back of the left-back’s outstanding season with Ajax.
Hato – a product of Ajax’s academy – made 50 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club last term and the 19-year-old’s stellar performances across the campaign saw him win the Eredivisie Talent of the Season award.
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Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal have also been credited with a strong interest in the highly rated teenager, who has already been capped six times the Dutch national team.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea have held ‘fresh talks’ since their initial round of discussions and Hato’s versatility is said to be hugely appealing to the Club World Cup winners – with the full-back also comfortable playing at centre-half.
The report claims Ajax have been quoting potential suitors a price of £60million for Hato, though the Eredivisie outfit could be prepared to do business should they receive an offer of just £40m.
Hato’s current contract with Ajax runs through to June 2028.
In an interview with Ajax’s official website last month, Hato opened up on the goals and ambitions he wanted to achieve in his career.
However, the youngster was keen to stress that he still had plenty to learn, while declaring that Ajax still felt like ‘home’.
‘The smartest thing is to look ahead to pre-season, that’s what I do,’ he said.
‘Of course you want to achieve things in the end: the Champions League, a World Cup and a European Championship, I still have plenty of time. I don’t think I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years.
‘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.’