Chelsea ready to challenge Arsenal and Real Madrid for star defender - Reports
Chelsea have reportedly joined Arsenal and Real Madrid target in the race to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. The 18-year-old has impressed during his time with the Dutch giants.
As per TEAMtalk, the youngster has piqued the interest of the London side, who have considered him as an alternative to Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori. Fabrizio Romano reported that the Gunners are in negotiations with the Italian and have made their proposal to him. Hato and Calafiori are players of a similar profile, that being versatile defenders who can play both as a centre-back and a left-back.
Chelsea already have multiple options both in central defense and on the left side. The likes of Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Marc Cucurella, and Ben Chilwell can all play in these positions. Thus, Hato could find it difficult to get regular game time at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal, meanwhile, used the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior at left-back last season.
Hato is one of Europe's hottest prospects, excelling for Ajax as a teenager. He was one of the key players for the Eredivisie side last season, making 46 appearances where he bagged one goal and three assists.
The report claims that the Blues and the Gunners may find it difficult to convince the player to leave Ajax at this stage of his career. It remains to be seen which side he will join, a situation that could be dependent on the transfer of Calafiori as well.
Pedri urges Spain star to join Barcelona amidst interest from Arsenal and Chelsea
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has revealed that he would like Spain star Nico Williams to join La Blaugrana. This comes amidst reported interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in the player.
Pedri said via Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo:
"Nico Williams would be a spectacular signing for us at Barcelona, it’d be incredible. He’s a player who is already showing what he’s capable of. I hope he can join us!"
A report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claims that the player has already agreed personal terms with La Blaugrana. However, amidst their financial struggles, they may find it difficult to pay his €58 million release clause.
That figure may not be a barrier for Chelsea and Arsenal. Williams could be a solid contributor from the left for the Blues, where the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling have struggled. Meanwhile, he could replace Gabriel Martinelli in the same position for Arteta's side.