Arsenal looking to sign €50m rated star previously linked with a move to Chelsea: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. According to TEAMtalk, the Dutchman is in high demand, having previously been linked to the Gunners' London rivals, Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta's side has received a major boost in their pursuit of the 19-year-old due to the Blues' involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup. Currently stalled, Chelsea will continue talks over a permanent deal for Jorrel Hato after the club tournament finishes in the United States.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking forward to capitalising on the pause to make progress. The Gunners have held talks with the Dutch defender's representatives in the last few days. As per the aforementioned report, the north London club has been in contact with the 19-year-old for the last two years. Hence, agreeing on personal terms won't be an issue.
However, Jorrel Hato has also acknowledged Chelsea's offer, considering that the Blues have invested in multiple young players in the last few years.
Hato, who joined Ajax's young side from Sparta Rotterdam in 2018, made his senior debut in 2023. Last season, he made 50 appearances for Ajax, scoring three goals and providing six assists across all competitions. He also helped the Amsterdam side keep 13 clean sheets in the Eredivisie.
His current contract with the Eredivisie side will expire in the summer of 2028. However, with multiple clubs interested, Ajax have set a €50 million price tag on the Dutch defender.
New Chelsea signing 'impressed' by everyone at the club
New Chelsea signing Liam Delap has claimed that he's impressed by the standard of players at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old. joined the Blues from Ipswich Town for a reported fee of €40 million. He has travelled to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Ahead of the Blues' tournament opener against Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, June 16, the English attacker said (via the official website of Chelsea):
"Everyone has impressed me. The quality is so high. Obviously we have just got off the plane, so it wasn't too much of a blow, and it is only my first few sessions, so we will see (who ends up impressing the most)."
Before joining the Stamford Bridge outfit, Manchester United were also interested in signing Liam Delap. However, the former Manchester City youth player joined the west London club. For Ipswich, he played 40 games, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists across competitions.
