Chelsea’s hunt for a versatile defender has set their sights on Ajax and Dutch international Jorell Hato.
Already so far, the Blues have been very active in this summer’s transfer window, but most of their deals have focused on the top end of the pitch.
It appears Chelsea’s sights have been refocused on bolstering their backline, and the name that keeps springing up is Hato’s.
Reports last week said that the London club made a serious offer for the defender, but it was rebuffed by the Dutch club, who sent back their asking price.
Now it has been revealed what the Amsterdam side has asked for when it comes to the sale of the 19-year-old.
Ajax counter-offer informs Chelsea on the cost of Jorell Hato transfer
Chelsea’s interest in Jorell Hato has been longstanding, as Enzo Maresca’s side enquired about signing the defender last summer.
However, the Blues decided against a formal pursuit and have since returned to the negotiating table for the player for the upcoming season.
A previous offer of €40 million (£34.8 million) was rejected last week, and terms of a potential deal were then laid out by the Eredivisie club.
Ajax have now told Chelsea that it will take between €55 and €60 million (£47.8 million – £52.2 million) in order for them to sanction the sale of their star defender, according to De Telegraaf.
However, sources at the Johan Cruyff Arena say that a fee ranging around €50 million (£43.5 million) could see a deal being made between the two clubs.
Hato only wants Chelsea move
Chelsea’s position is strengthened by the fact that Hato wants to move only to the World Champions.
The defender has yet to feature for Ajax so far in preseason, being omitted from the club’s recent friendly against Como after informing the club of his desire to leave.
The Dutch international has also apparently rejected offers from two other Premier League clubs, as his eyes are solely set on making a move to Stamford Bridge, coming as quite the advantage in their pursuit.
Personal terms have already been agreed, so if an agreement is struck with Ajax, any deal could move quickly to be finalised.
The Blues are hoping to build on their Conference League and Club World Cup successes, and having a player of the quality of Hato, who can play both left-back and centre-back, would be a useful tool for any club.