According to "CaughtOffside", Chelsea has made direct contact this week with representatives of young Dutch defender Jorell Hato, the star of Ajax, in preparation for signing him during the transfer window.

Hato, who is 18 years old, is currently one of the most prominent defensive talents in Europe, having excelled with Ajax due to his ability to play as a center-back and left-back, making him a target for several major clubs, notably Chelsea and Arsenal.

Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, is looking to strengthen their defense, especially given the inconsistent performances of some of their players like Colwill and Badashile, in addition to the recurring injuries of Wesley Fofana. Hato is believed to be an ideal option for the Blues' project focused on developing young talents.

On the other hand, Arsenal is closely monitoring the situation, seeing Hato as a strong addition for the future. However, the intense competition in his position at the Emirates may reduce his chances of playing regularly, especially with the presence of William Saliba and Gabriel.