Jorrel Hato has already named his dream club and it’s not Chelsea, far from it

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Jorrel Hato is close to swapping Ajax for Chelsea.

The Netherlands international has enjoyed quite the start to his career, already winning six caps for his country and racking up 111 senior appearances for Ajax.

TBR Football understand Chelsea have agreed a £40m fee for Hato and expect the Dutchman to officially leave Amsterdam for west London by the weekend.

Arsenal and Liverpool were also keen on signing the 19-year-old.

Interestingly, things could have been different had Arsenal made more of a push, based on what Jorrel Hato told ELF Voetbal back in October 2023.

Jorrel Hato said Arsenal move would be a “dream”

After seeing his teammate and fellow countryman Jurrien Timber leave Ajax for Arsenal back in July 2023, the defender – aged 17 at the time – made an interesting comment.

Hato said he too would like a move to Arsenal, admitting: “Unfortunately he (Timber) was seriously injured in his first Premier League game for Arsenal, but he is still young and has a bright future ahead of him.

“In any case, the move to Arsenal was a wonderful one for him. It is also my dream to one day make such a transfer, but I realise that I still have a very long way to go.”

Hato has now secured his move to England, albeit in west London rather than north London, where he is set to face his friend Timber in at least two London derbies next season.

Chelsea could also sign Xavi Simons – another Dutchman admired by Arsenal – as talks over a £60m deal continue with RB Leipzig.

Jorrel Hato remained fascinated by Arsenal

TBR Football understand Hato was still open to joining Arsenal this summer had the Gunners firmed up their interest with a bid.

However, no such offer arrived for the teenager, as Arsenal spent £13m on Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia as Chelsea advanced in talks with Ajax.

Only time will tell whether the north Londoners live to regret that decision.