Things are picking up pace for Chelsea in the ongoing summer transfer window. While most of their focus has been on exits recently, over the last few days, the Blues seem to have shifted their attention towards making a few more additions to their squad. They have been working on moves for Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato.
Both Dutch internationals could be great additions to Enzo Maresca's squad. And it looks like Chelsea have made some serious progress on one of those deals already.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached agreement on personal terms with Jorrel Hato. The defender has asked Ajax to leave.
Hato has been linked with Chelsea heavily in recent months. It looks like he is being viewed as a centre-back option rather than left-back cover for Marc Cucurella, which would be an interesting choice considering the progress Levi Colwill has shown lately. Is the Dutchman being brought in as backup or to be a starter out of the gates?
'Chelsea have reached agreement' - Fabrizio Romano drops news
Hato is a phenomenal talent. There is no doubt about that. At the age of 19, he already has made more than 100 senior appearances for Ajax and appeared six times for the Netherlands national team as well.
So, if his development goes according to expectations, Hato might develop into one of the best defenders on the planet. Of course, that is what Chelsea will be hoping for, which is why they seem keen to get a deal over the line as soon as possible.
Some of his numbers are phenomenal as well. Up against full-backs, he is in the 99th percentile when it comes to pass completion rate, 95th percentile in terms of assists and 88th percentile in terms of aerials won. So, it is intriguing that Chelsea view him as more of a cente-back option than one at left-back.