Real Madrid are reportedly determined to win the race for Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato.
The 18-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all believed to be keen to bring him to the Premier League during this summer's transfer window.
However, according to Fichajes, there is also genuine interest from Real Madrid, with Los Blancos keen to secure his signature at the end of the campaign in order for him to be a part of the first-team squad for next term.
The report claims that Real Madrid view the teenager as a potential 'key player' in the future, and Carlo Ancelotti's side would be willing to pay €40m (£33m) to sign him this summer.
Los Blancos are allegedly confident of winning the race for the youngster despite the lucrative interest from the Premier League.
Real Madrid are said to view him as a 'long-term investment', but he could have the chance to make an immediate impact if Los Blancos continue to have problems in their defensive unit next term.
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Real Madrid 'determined' to win the race for Hato
Hato spent the early part of his youth career with Sparta Rotterdam before moving to Ajax in 2018, progressing through the various youth teams at the Dutch club before making his first-team debut in 2022.
The versatile defender, who is a five-time Netherlands international, has since made 95 appearances for Ajax in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering eight assists in the process.
Despite still being 18, Hato has Europa League and Conference League experience, playing 26 European matches for Ajax, while he has an impressive record of three goals and seven assists in 62 matches for the Amsterdam giants.
Ajax have their teenage star on a contract until June 2028, but it is understood that the Eredivisie team are preparing to let him leave this summer due to the volume of clubs that are likely to make approaches.
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Real Madrid will sign at least one centre-back this summer
There are concerns when it comes to David Alaba, as the Austrian recently spent more than a year on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury, and he is now nursing a muscular problem.
Eder Militao is also out with another long-term knee injury, which has left Raul Asencio as the only fit central defender in the first team, with Antonio Rudiger missing until at least the start of March.
Aurelien Tchouameni is currently being required to operate alongside Asencio, as another centre-back option, Dani Carvajal, is absent due to a long-term knee injury of his own.
Real Madrid have made signing a centre-back a priority during the summer transfer window, and the club are seemingly desperate to win the race for one of the best young talents in world football.
Matt Law
