Chelsea are nearing a deal to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax, with the 19-year-old defender agreeing to personal terms and expressing his desire to join the Blues.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Jorrel Hato is gaining momentum, with negotiations between the two clubs close to its climax. 

The Blues have offered £44m for the versatile defender, who can play both left-back and centre-back, perfectly fitting into Enzo Maresca’s system. Hato has already agreed to personal terms with Chelsea and has informed Ajax of his desire to join Stamford Bridge.

The main hurdle now is the transfer fee, with Ajax demanding more than Chelsea’s current offer of €41m. Ajax’s hesitation stems from uncertainty about potential rival bids meeting their demands. 

Despite this, Hato’s insistence on moving to Chelsea may force Ajax to accept a suitable offer. With over 100 appearances for Ajax and six senior caps for the Netherlands, Hato brings valuable experience to the table.

Chelsea’s interest in Hato is due to the need for a backup for Marc Cucurella, the club’s only left-back. Hato’s arrival would provide much-needed depth and flexibility to Chelsea’s defensive lineup. His ability to play in multiple positions would give Maresca more options to manage his squad effectively throughout the season.

As negotiations continue, Chelsea is hopeful of finalizing the deal this week. With Hato’s talent, versatility, and potential for growth, he would be an excellent addition to Chelsea’s squad. The Blues are reportedly confident about securing Hato’s services, despite competition from other top clubs.