Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'moving closer' to deal for international defender

Chelsea are reportedly edging nearer to finalising a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

Last week, it was widely claimed that the Netherlands international had been identified as the ideal candidate to strengthen Enzo Maresca's defensive options.

Despite the Blues being blessed with a wide array of players who can be deployed at the back, the 19-year-old can play at both centre-back and act as competition for Marc Cucurella at left-back.

As such, Chelsea are seemingly making a sustained effort to get a deal for the starlet over the line, but they are yet to agree a fee with Ajax.

According to The Athletic, though, the West Londoners are closing in on finalising terms for Hato.

Chelsea on brink of Hato transfer?

The report suggests that the two teams could soon reach a 'compromise' over a fee for a player viewed as someone who could become one of the best defenders in Europe over time.

Chelsea will have to pay in excess of £35m for a player that has already made 111 appearances for Ajax, contributing four goals and nine assists.

Ajax are in a position where they can play hardball over a fee courtesy of Hato penning a five-year contract as recently as last summer.

Nevertheless, Ajax are aware that the academy graduate is eager to make the switch to a higher-profile club at this stage of his career.

Personal terms have already been agreed between Chelsea and Hato, leaving the focus on the asking price of Ajax.

Hato has missed Ajax's most recent pre-season fixtures, another indication that the completion of a transfer is now only a matter of time.

Will Hato become first choice at Chelsea?

While Hato can be viewed as a valuable asset as a versatile left-sided centre-back, the chances are that he will not be viewed as first choice by Maresca.

Levi Colwill and Cucurella are viewed as key figures at centre-back and left-back, while Benoit Badiashile is allegedly highly-rated and remains as chief backup to Colwill.

Realistically-speaking, Hato will be viewed as backup left-back during 2025-26 if Cucurella stays fit. However, the amount of game time that Cucurella played during the second half of 2025-26 will likely result in Hato being given plenty of opportunities.

When he only turned 19 years of age in March, being backup at a top Premier League club is arguably the perfect place to be for his career at this stage.