Chelsea hold new talks to sign “fantastic” £40m defender who’s keen to join

Chelsea want to wrap up even more summer deals in time for their Club World Cup campaign, but BlueCo have just five more days to do so.

Chelsea sign Liam Delap for £30 million with more signings anticipated

On Wednesday, the Blues officially announced their signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, who joins in a £30 million deal after Chelsea triggered his release clause.

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The west Londoners are the first club to submit a bid.

Delap will wear the number 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge and is also eligible to take part in the CWC later this month, giving Enzo Maresca a boost as Chelsea take FIFA’s competition pretty seriously.

£97 million worth of prize money is up for grabs if Chelsea go on to win the tournament, so it is believed that the west Londoners want to add one or two more signings to the squad after Delap as they look to take advantage of this mini-window, which is open until June 10.

Chelsea recently opened talks with AC Milan over a deal for goalkeeper Mike Maignan as well, but as things stand, there is a massive gap in valuation between the two clubs, even if the Frenchman has reportedly approved a switch to the Premier League, as per Football Italia.

After missing out on defender Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Chelsea remain in the market for alternatives, with versatile Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato said to be high on their agenda.

Jorrel Hato keen to join Chelsea with talks ongoing

The Netherlands international was predominantly a left-back under Francesco Farioli, impressing in that position, but the natural centre-half could also fill in at the heart of Maresca’s backline.

Signing an alternative to Marc Cucurella and an extra body in the middle, all in one go, will undoubtedly appeal to the west Londoners, amid reports that Hato could leave Ajax for just £40 million.

Journalist Simon Phillips, sharing an update on their links to the Dutchman, says that Chelsea are pushing in talks to sign Hato, ideally before the Club World Cup, and the 19-year-old is equally keen on joining.

“Chelsea are in talks to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax and are working on the fee at the moment,” said Phillips.

“Personal terms not an issue and Hato is interested in the move. New talks were held early this week.

“I don’t have any further details yet on this one but it’s going on behind the scenes and Chelsea are pushing to get him to the Club World Cup if they can.”

No Ajax player featured over more Eredivisie minutes than Hato last season, with ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson previously suggesting the sky is the limit for his career.

“It’s crazy how young he is, but obviously how mature he looks when he’s on the pitch and also off the pitch,” said Henderson about Hato in 2024.

“He’s a very mature person, works hard, fantastic player, and yeah, he has a bright future ahead of him, I’m sure. I think he just needs to continue to do what he’s he’s been doing.”