Chelsea started the special transfer window strong by bringing in Liam Delap as the new number nine of the club. However, the Blues are still on the lookout to bring in a centre-back, a right-footed left winger, and a versatile striker, as a lot of work remains to be done for Enzo Maresca's side.
For the centre-back role, the Blues’ initial plan was to bring in Dean Huijsen. However, Real Madrid secured the transfer of the Spanish defender ahead of Chelsea, handing them a major setback. They have since moved on to other targets for the position.
Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is one of the defenders linked with Chelsea. The Blues are said to be stepping up their efforts to sign the highly talented youngster. However, it looks likey could face a situation similar to the Huijsen deal in this case as well.
It has been suggested that Arsenal are confident about their chances of signing Hato ahead of other clubs. As reported by TBR Football Graeme Bailey said:
"Arsenal see Hato as the perfect addition to the left side of their defence, but obviously it’s far from a done deal.
“We know that Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Hato and Liverpool still really like him. But I think Arsenal would be annoyed if they didn’t get Hato considering how much work they’ve been putting in."
Arsenal confident of winning against Chelsea in Hato transfer race
Hato made 50 appearances in all competitions for Ajax last season. At just 19 years of age, this kind of involvement for the Dutch giants has convinced Chelsea to pursue the player. Although he has played most of his matches this season at left-back, he can also operate as a centre-back. It is unclear where the Blues would want to play him, especially considering the form Marc Cucurella is in.
If Arsenal do manage to swoop in and sign the youngster ahead of them, it would be another major blow to Chelsea’s plans in this transfer window. That said, as previously mentioned, Chelsea are also pushing hard for Hato's signature.
It remains to be seen which side of London the youngster ends up at, as the two city rivals compete for his signature. Of course, one should not rule out Liverpool, who are having one of the all-time great transfer windows right now, having already signed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.