Chelsea are optimistic about securing the signature of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.

The trusted journalist claims that the Blues are “closing in” on what would be their 8th signing of the summer.

It is believed that they were hoping to snap up Hato for around €40m (£35m), with the price that Arsenal paid for Jurrien Timber a couple of years ago being cited as justification for their valuation.

However, Ornstein says that the final fee is likely to exceed that amount, with Ajax still keen on getting a better price.

There is a €20m gap in Hato’s valuation

Reports in the Dutch media suggest that Ajax want €60m (£52m), but a compromise is expected to be found, with it being claimed that a final price in the region of €50m (£43.5m) is likely.

While some supporters may be concerned about how long negotiations are taking, especially as both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with Hato in the past, it is felt that the teenager is determined to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

The centre-half/left-back has already agreed personal terms with Enzo Maresca’s side ahead of his potential move to England.

Chelsea have already signed 7 other players this summer

Deals for Palmeiras’ Estavao Willian, Independiente del Valle’s Kendry Paez and Sporting Lisbon’s Dario Essugo were agreed even before the transfer window opened, while a move for Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr was also agreed in early June.

Since then, the Blues have also wrapped up deals for the likes of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and Brighton forward Joao Pedro.

If Hato’s transfer is sealed, he is unlikely to be the last player who arrives at Cobham before September 1st, with discussions also underway with RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

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