Ajax have rejected Chelsea 's first bid for star defender Jorrel Hato, sources have told ESPN. ESPN reported on Wednesday that Chelsea made an offer for the 19-year-old to strengthen their backline ahead of the new Premier League season, but sources have told ESPN that it has been rebuffed.

The defender is the subject of an offer from Chelsea, which has been turned down, and is also wanted by Arsenal. Hato didn't feature in Thursday's friendly defeat to Celtic, though Heitinga insists it was a fitness decision rather than anything to do with the prospect of the defender being sold.

Ajax booked their place in the Como Cup final with a 5-1 rout over Celtic. Scorers: Berghuis 16', 59' Klaassen 47', Bouwman 71, Bounida 83'; Yang 21'

Ajax have enquired about the possibility of signing Ishe Samuels-Smith during negotiations with Chelsea for Jorrel Hato according to reports.Samuels-Smith signed a new long term contract at Chelsea

United States men's national team midfielder Giovanni Reyna and Dutch defender Jorell Hato are being linked with moves to the Premier League and Serie A this week.

It's set to be a busy end of the week for Chelsea and they will hope to complete the double swoop in time for the squad's return to their Cobham training base at the beginning of August to begin preparations for their 2025/26 Premier League opener.