Chelsea have dented Arsenal's hopes of signing Jorrel Hato. The 18-year-old defender was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, but the Gunners wrapped up a deal for Riccardo Calafiori instead.

Hato, who sees his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena expire in June 2028, has featured 15 times for Ajax in the Eredivisie this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Playing a key role in Francesco Farioli's side, the Netherlands international has helped the Dutch outfit climb to second in the table.

His impressive performances have reportedly attracted interest from top European clubs who want to boost their backline in the January transfer window. According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea have leapfrogged Real Madrid in the race to secure Hato's signature.

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The report states that, despite previously overlooking the Ajax teenager, Arsenal have continued to monitor his progress. It remains to be seen whether or not the three European giants will make a move for Hato, this month, but Ajax already appear prepared to cash in.

Speaking to Dutch newspaper Het Parool in December, the club's technical director conceded their versatile defender, who can play left-back and centre-back, will one day leave. Alex Kroes said: "Football clubs are cash-driven.

"With the sale of Steven Bergwijn last summer - he brought in €21m (£17.6m) - we are no longer standing with our backs against the wall. At the same time, I have to think seriously about every big offer.

"Ideally, we keep Jorrel for a long time and he will play in the Champions League at Ajax next season. But at some point, he will be too good, and he will leave. We have to be proud of that. That has been our business model for a long time."

Ajax may be open to Hato's departure, but he seems intent on staying in Amsterdam. Speaking to Dutch magazine Ajax Life in June, he said: "I will just play for Ajax next season. I haven't finished learning here.

"And I want to win prizes with Ajax. That was my dream when I came here."

Then, in an interview with The Athletic in September, Hato reflected on the 2023/2024 campaign. He added: "This season was let's say it was a learning season for all of us. But even more so for me as an 18-year-old guy. I can take these learnings in the future."

On his future, Hato went on: "I want to achieve more, to achieve big things with Ajax; championships, playing in Europe, being at the highest levels of the Champions League. It's not rare people are going to speculate, or think that I'll go to another club but, for me, it was always; 'I want to stay at Ajax and achieve things'."

During his time in the academy, Hato idolised Jurrien Timber, who Mikel Arteta signed for Arsenal from Ajax in July 2023. The youngster added: "Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk - but when I played in the Under-18s I always looked up to Jurrien Timber.

"I played with him for six months before he left, and I learned so much from him. When I came into the first-team, he was my mentor. I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball.

"And he is just a great defender in defending terms."