Chelsea still have a lot to play for this season with a final Premier League game against Nottingham Forest and a UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis.

Nevertheless, the Blues are already looking ahead to next season and are diligently striving to reinforce their team in an effort to contend for the championship then.

A primary area where Enzo Maresca’s squad aims to strengthen is the central defense, with several center backs being considered as potential additions.

Chelsea were previously strongly connected with Dean Huijsen before the Dutchman completed a €50 million transfer.

Bournemouth

to

Real Madrid

.

Consequently, the Blues have had to shift their focus to other areas.

According to a report by

CaughtOffside

, Chelsea have now turned their attention to Jorrell Hato from Ajax.

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The 19-year-old Dutch defender can play at left back as well as centre back, making him particularly attractive to Chelsea.

The Blues are “huge admirers of Hato and CaughtOffside understands that they’re already in negotiations with Ajax over a deal likely to cost around €55m.”

Though

Arsenal

and

Liverpool

are also said to be interested in Hato, their need to sign a centre-back is not as pressing. Additionally, Hato’s ability to play two positions means that Chelsea could potentially use him as cover for Marc Cucurella as well.

Based on appearances, Chelsea appear to have an uncomplicated route to securing Hato’s signature, and they would be wise to act quickly in order to finalize the transfer.

Having already lost out on Huijsen, the Blues would not want to lose out on yet another transfer target so early on in the window.

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