£34m Chelsea transfer target has bought into Todd Boehly’s project, he believes he will become a ‘superstar’

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Chelsea are closing in on the signature of one of Europe’s best young defenders, and he is sold on the project.

Chelsea fans will be delighted with how their summer has gone so far. They bolstered an already stacked forward line through the signings of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, with Brazilian wonderkid Willian Estevao also arriving at the beginning of the window.

Add to that a Club World Cup trophy and over £80 million in prize money, and what you get is a fanbase buzzing with excitement and optimism for the coming season.

• READ MORE: David Ornstein gives major Chelsea transfer update as Blues close in on ‘priority’ signing

And the latest young talent to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is reportedly sharing in the optimism.

Fabrizio Romano claims Jorrel Hato can become a ‘superstar’ at Chelsea

In his latest YouTube video, Fabrizio Romano discusses the fast-developing story of Chelsea’s pursuit of Jorrel Hato.

Reporting on developments between the clubs, Romano revealed that the player’s wishes are clear, saying: “For sure, this deal looks promising for Chelsea. The relationship with Ajax is excellent. The player has been very clear with the club. From what I understand, the player told the manager and the director of Ajax that he wants to go to Chelsea.

“His desire is to have this opportunity in the Premier League, he believes in the Chelsea project, it’s a very long contract and big opportunity for the player to develop and become a superstar at Chelsea.”

Liverpool had previously shown interest in his signature, but Chelsea have taken a lead in the race, with Ajax sources seemingly accepting that Hato will leave.

The last hurdle for the Blues will be settling on a fee. Ajax want in excess of £40 million, though Chelsea hold some bargaining power to push that price down, given the similar situation that unfolded with Jurrien Timber’s £34 million move to Arsenal last summer.

Where does Jorrel Hato fit at Chelsea?

Jorrel Hato has been superb at Ajax since getting the call-up from the academy at age 16. He has started over 30 league games in each of the last two campaigns, and even put up eight goal involvements last season.

• READ MORE: Chelsea devise plan to finally get rid of Ben Chilwell and his £200k-a-week salary

But Hato’s biggest strength is arguably his versatility. He can play as an attacking fullback, offering much-needed cover for Marc Cucurella, or he can slip into centre-half, where he is just as comfortable.

While some fans are concerned over how much playing time the Dutchman will get, there is a world Maresca can lineup with both Cucurella and Hato, something he will surely explore.

Regardless of where he fits in the immediate future, there’s no doubt this is a quality signing if Todd Boehly and co. can get it over the line. Hato fits the age profile of this Chelsea squad perfectly, and has all the tools to become a top defender in the Premier League over the coming years.