Chelsea enter 'Arsenal and Liverpool transfer battle' for £60m star

Chelsea have reportedly joined several rivals in the race to sign Ajax star Jorrel Hato. The defender has been heavily linked with a move away from the Eredivise this summer, and a bidding war could now be on the horizon.

Enzo Maresca guided his Chelsea side to Club World Cup glory last week, and the Blues could look to put their newfound funds - via prize money - to use by bolstering their defensive ranks. They have already splashed the cash on forwards Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, but their spending spree is expected to ramp up soon.

According to AS, Chelsea are interested in signing Dutch star Hato and are monitoring his situation very closely. The Blues have held 'informal talks' over a deal for the versatile defender to gauge whether he will be made available over the coming weeks.

Chelsea aren't alone in their interest though as Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 19-year-old, whilst Liverpool remain 'keen'.

The Reds are firmly in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer following the sale of Jarell Quansah, though Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has previously emerged as their top target to replace the academy graduate.

Ajax are demanding £60million to part ways with Hato, which is a figure within reach of all three of the aforementioned outfits. The teenager is capable of playing at centre-back and in full-back, and his versatility across the backline could make him an incredibly attractive prospect for each side.

Armed with their Club World Cup winnings and momentum behind them in the transfer market, Chelsea could look to steal a march on their rivals by opening formal talks with Ajax for Hato sooner rather than later. The Blues have a host of stars who they are keen to offload before the 2025/26 campaign gets underway, and it would be no surprise if some of their fringe stars are offered to the Dutch outfit - especially given Armando Broja has been linked with a move to the Johan Cruyff Arena already this summer.

The likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling could be sold to fund a move for Hato if required. Noni Madueke (Arsenal) and Djordje Petrovic (Bournemouth) are already on the cusp of exits.