Chelsea and Liverpool handed boost as Champions League side are ready to sell star player: Reports

Chelsea and Liverpool have reportedly received a boost in their ongoing pursuit of Ajax star Jorrel Hato ahead of the summer transfer window.

Hato, 19, has cemented himself as one of the top talents in the Eredivisie over the last couple of years. Since his senior debut in January 2023, the versatile left-back has featured in 108 games across all competitions for his boyhood club.

During an interaction with Dutch outlet VoetbalPrimeur, Dutch journalist Mike Verweij provided insight into Hato's potential future. He opined (h/t Tribal Football):

"Ajax has spoken to Chelsea about Hato. But he has also been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal. That is what you want as a Dutch club. That also happened with Lisandro Martínez, and then the price can go to a level that makes you really happy. They will be rubbing their hands with glee. I don't think Ajax will care much whether he goes to Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool."

Should Hato opt to join Chelsea in the near future, he would pop up as a stellar rotational option behind Marc Cucurella. On the other hand, Hato would likely gradually replace Andrew Robertson in the starting lineup if he decides to join Liverpool.

So far this campaign, Hato has found the back of the net thrice and laid out six assists in 47 overall appearances, including 45 starts, for Ajax.

Liverpool backed to defeat Chelsea

In his BBC column, ex-Blues attacker Chris Sutton predicted a 2-1 victory for the Reds in their league clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (May 4). He wrote:

"Chelsea have nicked a couple of results recently, to stay in the race for the top five, but their performances have not been too convincing and their fans still don't seem to have taken to Enzo Maresca's playing style."

Stating the Reds are unlikely to field a second-string side, he continued:

"This is not the test for them that it would be if Liverpool were trying to close out the title but I don't think Slot is the type to let anyone take their foot off the gas. He will put out a strong team and even if they play with more freedom, I still think the Reds will leave with the points."

The Premier League champions are on 82 points from 34 matches, while Enzo Maresca's side are fifth in the table with 60 points from 34 games.

Arne Slot's club have registered seven victories, five draws, and one loss in their last 13 games in all competitions against the west London side.