'My feeling is' - Fabrizio Romano issues update on Chelsea transfer amid 'rejected' offer

Chelsea are still pushing for a deal to sign a new defender, but their latest pursuit is not a foregone conclusion just yet. The Blues are in the market for a new centre-back as they look to upgrade the level of competition and depth they have at the position.

Enzo Maresca does currently have a number of options at centre-back, but there is uncertainty over the futures of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo, while Wesley Fofana has been struggling with injury.

Ajax centre-back Jorrel Hato has been identified as the priority target, with the 19-year-old fitting Chelsea’s strategy of signing young players with big potential. Hato has become a regular for Ajax despite his youth, and he is also a Netherlands international.

A move looks likely, but Ajax are holding out for a better deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. “Chelsea wants to spend £34m on Hato, but Ajax wants more,” Romano told his YouTube channel. “The negotiation is ongoing; the player wants to go and told Ajax the Premier League is his dream. Chelsea feels strong in this story. My feeling is the deal happens.”

Hato has been with Ajax since 2018 when he signed from Sparta Rotterdam as a youngster, He reflected: “At the time, I had to think about it for a while because I was comfortable at Sparta. [At Ajax], fortunately, I was well taken care of and could immediately be myself."

The defender went on to become the youngest-ever captain of Ajax, and the club’s former manager, John van 't Schip, said previously: “[He's] special in the sense that he has been able to stand his ground for so long and that he continues to reach such a high level. Of course, he is still a young player, the youngest one, who still has a lot to learn, but if you look at what he brings, the way he defends, the way he can play football forward, he has a great future ahead of him."

He added: “We don't have to do a lot because he is an exemplary professional. Of course, he has fun with the boys and that's something that needs to happen because that makes sure you train happily. But he is also a very serious guy in the sense that he trains well, he takes care of himself. Many should see him as an example, especially the players in the youth academy."

Hato has made six senior appearances for Netherlands to date, and after his international debut, Ronald Koeman said: “I was able to assess him better in the training sessions. There he had to defend Wout Weghorst and other attackers. I really liked that. He adapted very easily and plays with bravado. It’s nice that you can let those kinds of boys make their debut.”

Chelsea will hope they can get a deal done for close to £34million, but even if Ajax hold out for a little more, the Blues will surely be able to find a middle ground to get their desired defender target.

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