Jorrel Hato to Chelsea twist as transfer target left out of Ajax pre-season squad today | OneFootball

Chelsea are in talks with Ajax over a deal for the talented defender

Your matchday briefing on Chelsea, featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia

Sign up

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Ajax appear to have paved the way for defender Jorrel Hato to join Chelsea this summer.

However, he is now in talks to sign for Chelsea. This was confirmed by the defender’s agent, Humphry Nijman on Wednesday.

The Dutchman was named in the 29-man squad that travelled to Italy earlier in the week, but the fact he is not involved at all might be the biggest hint yet that a move to Stamford Bridge is close to completion.

This omission comes after Standard Sport reported that Chelsea had discussed towards the end of last season that greater competition for Marc Cucurella might be needed at left-back.

Hato is as a highly versatile defender and while he predominantly plays as a centre-back, he can operate at left-back too.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem for Hato, who has been a full Dutch international since 2023.