£40m player is now close to joining Chelsea, his representatives have told Arsenal and Liverpool

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TBR Football can exclusively confirm that Arsenal and Liverpool have been told Jorrel Hato is joining Chelsea.

The Ajax No.4 is one of the most exciting talents in Europe, and his efforts in Amsterdam – where he has already accumulated 111 senior appearances at the age of 19 – understandably received attention from the Premier League.

Liverpool and Arsenal had been alerted by these fine performances from Jorrel Hato – although TBR Football can now provide exclusive details as Chelsea prepare to unveil the Dutchman this weekend.

Exclusive: Chelsea fend off Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Jorrel Hato

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – can confirm that Arsenal and Liverpool have been told by the Ajax wonderkid’s representatives that a deal has now been finalised with Chelsea.

Despite the Blues advancing in negotiations across recent weeks, we understand Arsenal were still showing an interest in Hato, and a late hijack attempt was possible.

However, sources now inform TBR Football that both Liverpool and the Gunners have been told the deal is done between Chelsea and Ajax, who expect the teenager to officially move to Stamford Bridge by the weekend.

Ajax had initially asked for €60m (£52m) to sell Hato – who Arsenal fans are upset to miss out on – but an agreement has been found for €46m (£40m).

Bailey says: “Hato is a brilliant young player. Chelsea have been working hard on him, but they did always have a fear that Arsenal – who have been watching him since he was 15 – would make that push.

“However, Chelsea have got him. He comes in to provide that left-back option for Enzo Maresca, but one who can also play centrally. This could be one of the deals of the summer.”

Ajax already working on signing a replacement for Jorrel Hato

TBR Football understand Ajax have already begun negotiations to fill the void left by Hato – who is set to replace Renato Veiga at Chelsea.

The Eredivisie outfit are engaging in talks over a deal to sign Ko Itakura from Borussia Monchengladbach, the Japan international formerly of Manchester City.

The 28-year-old was with the Citizens from 2019 to 2022, but never made a senior appearance before he was sold to Borussia Monchengladbach.