It has now been more than a month since the transfer window re-opened and Chelsea have already got a lot of business done. They have brought in Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro and have also parted ways with a number of players as well, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mathis Amougou, and Djordje Petrovic, to name a few.
Despite their early activity in the window, one key area still remains unaddressed by Chelsea, and that is their defence. The club have been linked with a number of targets, but nothing concrete has come out of it.
However, a recent report finally brings some good news, as it looks like Chelsea are leading the race for Jorrel Hato. Some other top teams are also trying to sign him though, so things won't be simple.
As reported by The Chelsea Chronicle, Graeme Bailey has told the outlet that the Blues are the most advanced of the clubs interested in Hato. The journalist said:
"Hato is expecting to leave and yeah, Chelsea do like him. it’s a really fascinating one with him. It’s like do I think there is the situation of do Arsenal come back in and step up? I think that might be the only problem for Chelsea really, as we know know Arsenal have been working on that for a long, long time but that won’t stop him going to Chelsea in any way shape or form.
“At the moment it’s a two-horse race but Liverpool are in the mix as well. It’s between Arsenal and Chelsea but Liverpool are there as well I’m not sure whether I haven’t had it confirmed that an offer has gone in yet for Hato from Chelsea, but there’s certainly talks ongoing there with him and it does seems he’s not the only one who Chelsea are looking at, but he’s very high on their list and they do like him an awful lot."
Chelsea leading race to sign Jorrel Hato
Hato primarily plays as a left-back but can also operate as a centre-back. With Marc Cucurella in excellent form, it's hard to imagine the youngster taking over his spot in the team. As a result, it’s more likely that he will be deployed at the heart of the defence, especially with the likes of Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana expected to leave this summer.
However, given the increasing number of games each season, Cucurella will need rest at times, and a versatile player like Hato could prove invaluable in such situations. He can fill in at both positions, depending on the situation.
Bringing in Hato will also align with the club’s recent policy of recruiting young talents. However, the signing of the defender won’t be an easy task for Chelsea, as clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal could make a push for the signature of the player as well. That said, the Blues have won the race to multiple signatures before despite facing heavy competition and could do the same in the case of the Ajax standout as well if the situation calls for it. For now, let’s wait and watch.