Report: Chelsea ahead of Arsenal in race for £40m powerhouse who's 'one of the best talents in Europe'

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The January transfer window is now in full swing and the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea could be set to bring in reinforcements.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea remain in Premier League title contention but with Liverpool quite far ahead, there’s still a lot of work to be done.

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have rekindled their interest in a “fantastic” defender as they look to strengthen their back line further.

However, Chelsea are now said to be ahead of Arsenal and even Real Madrid in the race for the 18-year-old.

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Chelsea ahead of Arsenal in Jorrel Hato race

The player in question is Ajax star Jorrel Hato, who has made a name for himself as one of the best young defenders in the game.

CaughtOffside claim Arsenal are continuing to monitor Hato’s progress as they look to part ways with Jakub Kiwior.

However, the report claims Chelsea are planning to sign the player due to his young age and versatility,

The Blues are said to be ahead of Arsenal and Real Madrid in pursuit of Hato, whose price tag currently stands at £40-45million.

What Hato could bring to the Premier League

Hato has already clocked up 89 competitive appearances for Ajax – and five caps for the Netherlands – despite only turning 18 in March.

Fabrizio Romano wrote about Hato in May: "Arsenal keep monitoring Ajax young centre-back Jorrel Hato as one of the best talents in Europe in his position."

Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout sung the reported Gunners target's praises a year ago, comparing him to Lucas Hernandez and Evan Ndicka.

Kulig deemed him a "complete and dominant centre-back" who is "forceful, quick and powerful".

Hato is also "known for his good timing, confidence in possession, understanding of the game, and an above-average technical capacity".

Hato has shared a pitch with Timber 14 times and previously said he’s modelled his game on the Arsenal ace.

"Coaches told me that I always needed to look up to Virgil van Dijk, but when I played in the under-18s, I always looked up to Jurrien Timber,” he said.

"When I came into the first team, he was my mentor. I love his playing style, his calmness on the ball. And he is just a great defender in defending terms."