Chelsea have now submitted a bid for an “exceptional” £40m Arsenal target, with talks currently ongoing, according to a report.
Maresca still keen on more Chelsea signings
It has once again been an extremely busy transfer window for the Blues, having already brought in the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, but Enzo Maresca remains keen on strengthening his attacking options even further.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is among the main targets, with the west Londoners now making progress in their pursuit of the Netherlands international.
However, should Maresca’s side manage to get a deal for Simons over the line, it may be worth then turning their attentions to strengthening at the opposite end of the pitch, given that Mamadou Sarr is the only addition the manager has made to his defence so far.
Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, who is valued at around £40m, is one of the main targets, and there has now been a new update on Chelsea’s pursuit of the 19-year-old, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are pressing to get a deal over the line.
Hato has agreed to move to Stamford Bridge, despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, and the Blues have now lodged an opening bid for the defender, which was knocked back by the Eredivisie side, as per TBR.
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However, despite the setback, the west Londoners remain in talks over a potential deal, having made the decision not to delay a move for the teenager, despite the fact Renato Veiga’s move to Atletico Madrid has now stalled.
Hato could be "exceptional" long-term signing for Chelsea
Despite his age, the Dutchman has already established himself as one of Ajax’s most important players, making 31 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, during which time the left-back’s attacking talents were regularly on display.
Indeed, the full-back picked up two goals and six assists in the Eredivisie, while he has also impressed in the Europa Conference League in the past, making some impressive tackles and passes in the 2023-24 campaign.
Not only that, but the defender has received high praise from scout Ben Mattinson, who said: “Hato is an exceptional athlete for his age whilst being a technical player who can carry through the lines.”
It is evident that Hato could be a fantastic long-term addition to Maresca’s squad, and Chelsea should make another offer soon, before the likes of Arsenal or Liverpool hijack the move.