Chelsea is reportedly close to finalising a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. The young Dutch talent has requested to skip Ajax’s recent pre-season friendly against Como to avoid injury risks that could threaten the transfer. This follows an earlier absence from the club’s friendly win over Celtic, which was initially due to his late return to pre-season.

According to Voetbal International, Hato personally asked not to participate in the Como match, a request the club accepted to protect the potential transfer. Following this, The Athletic revealed significant progress in negotiations, with optimism that an agreement will be achieved soon.

The transfer fee is expected to exceed €40 million (£35 million, $47 million), though Dutch media have estimated the defender’s value to be higher. De Telegraaf reported Ajax could be seeking up to €60 million (£52.5 million, $70.5 million), but may settle for around €50 million (£43.7 million, $58.8 million). The final fee could involve bonuses and possibly a sell-on clause to bridge the gap between the two clubs’ valuations.

Additionally, Chelsea is pursuing other Dutch prospects, notably RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with deals potentially funded by the lucrative transfer of João Félix to Al Nassr.

This strategic recruitment signals Chelsea’s intent to strengthen their squad with promising young talent ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 2025/26 season’s transfer speculation continues to captivate Premier League followers. Manchester United recently turned down a €20 million offer from Real Betis for a stake in Antony’s player rights, according to SPORT. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, currently sidelined by injury, has been linked with a surprising potential move to rivals Tottenham Hotspur and interest from Newcastle United, per CaughtOffside. Despite this, Arsenal is expected to resist selling key players Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard, as detailed by Football Transfers.

Liverpool’s target Alexander Isak has dismissed a lucrative offer from Al Hilal that would have made him one of football’s highest earners, reports Mundo Deportivo. Attention in the transfer market also centers on Manchester City preparing an unprecedented €250 million bid for Cole Palmer, who joined Chelsea two years ago for £45 million, as claimed by Fichajes.

Interest in Aleksandar Mitrović from Manchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham remains, with Newcastle also linked to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. However, Šeško is reportedly more inclined to join Manchester United, according to Guido Schäfer.

To neutralize Real Madrid’s interest, Manchester City plans to offer Rodri a new five-year contract, according to Fichajes. Barcelona, meanwhile, is reportedly willing to sell academy graduate Gerard Martín for as little as €15 million, with Premier League clubs showing interest, according to El Nacional.

Finally, Xabi Alonso has made a decision to move on Raúl Asencio, putting the defender’s future in doubt, reports OK Diario.

Paris Saint-Germain appear poised to move on from Gianluigi Donnarumma, the club’s current first-choice goalkeeper, opening opportunities for interested Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United.

Despite negotiations, Donnarumma has yet to commit to a new contract with PSG. Without a renewed deal, this summer represents the final chance for PSG, European champions, to command a transfer fee for their prized Italian captain. This uncertainty has drawn several suitors keen on securing his services.

Chelsea have recently emerged as active contenders, capitalising on market opportunities to acquire valuable players, while Manchester United are keen to bolster their goalkeeping options. The Red Devils have been exploring various candidates amid waning confidence in their current number one, André Onana. They have even considered younger prospects like Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens. A loan approach for Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa was firmly rejected.

Meanwhile, PSG are advancing plans to refresh their squad between the posts. They have reportedly agreed personal terms with Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, with transfer negotiations ongoing. The fee for Chevalier is suggested to be around €40 million (£34.9 million, $47 million). PSG’s inability to finalize Donnarumma’s contract extension keeps the door open for his departure.

Chelsea’s strategic recruitment and Manchester United’s pressing need for a reliable goalkeeper place Donnarumma at the centre of significant transfer speculation this summer. Both clubs stand to gain by acquiring a goalkeeper of his calibre.

This unfolding scenario highlights the evolving dynamics of top-level football transfers, where contract uncertainties and tactical rebuilds drive strategic market moves.