Romano exclusive: Chelsea now in “official club to club” talks over perfect defensive option | OneFootball

Chelsea’s summer looks like it’s about to have another big week.

The Blues have made some significant signings already, but they’re not done yet. There have been some major sales and loans in the last 7 days, with more set to come. There are also additions they seem to be closing in on.

The focus this morning has been on RB Leipzig winger Xavi Simons, but he’s not the only Dutchman on our radar.

Chelsea close in another important target

Fabrizio Romano’s Tweet about Jorrel Hato.

Fabrizio Romano has just reported that the Blues have made “official club to club contact” with Ajax to try and buy their defender Jorrel Hato. These links have been around for at least 6 months, but are really getting serious now.

As our needs come into focus for the rest of the window, it’s clear that Hato is right up there. He won’t come cheap, but looks a top tier talent and a perfect fit for us.

The defender is said to be keen on the move, and is already “prepared to accept personal terms.”

Romano notes the “very good relationship” between the clubs, which is interesting considering we can’t remember much recent business between them.

Hato looks a perfect Veiga replacement

Hato has always looked like a good option for us because he can play both at centre back and left back. Right now we need a backup left back, and we can imagine Hato getting a good number of games there. Then with time, and in circumstances where it’s needed, he can play more centrally.

It would even make selling another one of our central defender options more viable, should a good offer come in.

With Renato Veiga close to a move to Atletico Madrid, Hato looks a very simple upgrade if we can get him for a reasonable price.