Chelsea transfer news update: Enzo Maresca closes in on defender with 'agreement reached' for former Arsenal target

Chelsea are said to have reached the final stages of negotiations for Ajax star Jorrel Hato despite the defender having been a reported target of Arsenal.

The Blues have once again spent significant sums in the transfer window, with their outlay of £206.4m only less than Liverpool's (£256.4m) this summer.

Much of the club's focus has been on bringing in offensive additions such as Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and there are suggestions that they could also sign RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons.

While Enzo Maresca will be pleased by his side's transfer activity so far, there has been little movement on defensive targets.

Arsenal were thought to be keen on signing Ajax defender Hato, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that the Blues are close to finalising a deal for the youngster worth roughly £34.5m.

Is Hato the right defender for Chelsea?

Hato is capable of playing as either a left-back or a centre-back, though many commentators have suggested that his long-term future will ultimately be in central defence.

Despite being born in 2006, the 19-year-old already has considerable experience given he played 42 games last term for Ajax, as well as 43 times in 2023-24.

The Dutchman is adept at defending wide channels, and he has also shown great promise with the ball at his feet, leading to hopes that he can develop into one of Europe's most rounded centre-backs.

However, it is important to note that he is relatively untested at the highest level considering he has never played in the Champions League, and making the switch to Stamford Bridge from the Eredivisie could be a difficult transition.

Can Chelsea compete for the Premier League title?

Maresca will have ambitions of winning the title next season, especially after his side managed to win the Club World Cup against European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The Londoners will certainly have the firepower up front to compete for the Premier League, with summer additions like Jamie Gittens and Willian Estevao adding considerably to their squad.

Midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo seem to have finally settled together, though there are arguably some fragilities in defence.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has frequently been criticised, while left-back Marc Cucurella has at times been exposed, but there is no reason why the Blues would not be able to compete at the top of the table should they strengthen further.

Written by
Lewis Nolan