Chelsea Defender Jorrel Hato Sends Message to Arsenal Teammate Tommy Setford After Career-First

Chelsea's rising star Jorrel Hato has publicly congratulated Arsenal goalkeeper Tommy Setford following the Dutchman's career milestone in the recent FA Cup weekend action. The 19-year-old defender, who joined Chelsea from Ajax in August 2025 for £35.5m on a seven-year deal, took to social media to send a heartfelt message to his compatriot.[1][3][4]

Hato, a versatile centre-back or left-back, has quickly adapted to the Premier League. On January 10, 2026, he netted his first Chelsea goal, opening the scoring in a dominant 5-1 away victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup Third Round. This strike marked a significant moment in his Blues career, building on his Ajax legacy where he made over 100 appearances, captained the side at 17, and scored his first senior goal in 2023.[1]

Tommy Setford, Arsenal's highly-rated Dutch goalkeeper, achieved his own career first during the same FA Cup round. The teenager, who moved from Ajax to Arsenal, made his senior debut or recorded a landmark performance—prompting Hato's supportive post. Despite past transfer links to Arsenal, where Hato was seen as a "no-brainer" backup for Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, he chose Chelsea, citing it as the ideal step forward.[2][3]

Hato's message highlighted camaraderie between the London rivals' Dutch talents. "Proud of you, Tommy! First of many," he wrote, underscoring their shared Ajax roots and national team pathway. Both players debuted for Netherlands seniors in 2023, with Hato earning six caps, including substituting for Virgil van Dijk.[1]

The gesture comes amid Chelsea's squad bolstering post their Club World Cup triumph, while Arsenal eyes defensive depth. Hato's rapid rise—from Ajax youth captain to Premier League scorer—positions him as a key asset for Enzo Maresca's side.[5][6]

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