British media: Chelsea contacted Ajax and was interested in Dutch international Harto, facing competition among Liverpool and other teams

Sports 10:02pm, 9 June 2025 182

British media CaughtOffside reported that Chelsea recently contacted Ajax, and it is interested in the opponent's young defender Harto, who also attracted the attention of teams such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle.

It is reported that Chelsea recently contacted Ajax about Harto's potential transfer, and Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United have also asked about the Dutch international. According to sources close to the players' team, Chelsea is considering buying Harto later this summer.

Harto is competent as a centre-back or left-back, and Chelsea is currently focusing on finalizing the transfers between Menion and Gittens, and may target Harto after the club's World Cup.

The Dutch international has long been a target for signings for Arsenal and Liverpool, and Newcastle may also join the competition. Well-known reporter Romano confirmed in May that Chelsea and Liverpool are paying close attention to Harto.

Sources revealed: "Chelsea know that other Premier League clubs are paying close attention to Harto's movements. Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have collected relevant information and continued to pay attention, which puts pressure on Chelsea because waiting too long may give other teams the lead in the competition."

Sources also said that Harto's transfer fee this summer is expected to be 50 million euros, and Ajax has accepted the possibility of losing the 19-year-old player, but they are firm in asking. Although he only turns 20 next year, Harto has played more than 100 games for Ajax, showing excellent defensive skills and delicate ball-handling skills.

Chelsea hopes to win in Harto's battle because he may be the ideal candidate to supplement the defense, and he can not only improve Cucurella's substitute level at the left-back position, but also provide more options for the central defender position.

Arsenal signed a similar type of Calafiori last summer, and Skelly has also gained a foothold in the first team, and they may no longer need to place Harto as a priority.