Chelsea Closing In On Double Swoop for Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons

Chelsea are close to signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax and Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. Transfer talks are moving fast.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea have increased talks for Jorrel Hato after agreeing on personal terms last week. They are close to agreeing on a fee with Ajax, who reportedly seek around €60 million, though Chelsea have offered closer to €40 million so far according to reports. Hato, 19, has rejected other English clubs and wants only Chelsea. Meanwhile, Xavi Simons also wants Stamford Bridge, and both clubs are in advanced talks regarding the fee and payment terms for the versatile Dutch midfielder’s move to London.

WHY THE SIGNINGS MATTER

Hato has spent two seasons as a regular for Ajax, playing both centre-back and left-back. He brings maturity and flexibility to Chelsea’s defense, particularly as new manager Enzo Maresca aims for a solid start after the team finished 4th in the Premier League last season, just two points off the top three. Xavi Simons impressed last season in Germany, regularly starting for Leipzig and contributing significantly to their offense with 10 goals and seven assists in just 25 Bundesliga appearances. These signings highlight Chelsea’s ambition to challenge for a title finish and return to the Champions League.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

With talks nearly complete, Chelsea hope to confirm both transfers before the window closes in five weeks. Their new-look squad under Maresca is already boosted by recent attacking additions, and Hato’s debut could soon follow. Chelsea’s first Premier League match of the new season is against 13th-place from last season Crystal Palace, offering an early test for the team. Points are crucial from the start, especially with teams closely behind in the standings posing a threat.