Chelsea Step Up Pursuit of Ajax Star Hato and Leipzig’s Xavi Simons

Chelsea have begun formal discussions to sign Ajax’s highly-rated defender Jorrel Hato, according to a report from Sky Sports News. The Blues are looking to strengthen defensively as part of a broader summer rebuild, while also pursuing creative midfield talent in the form of RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

As per Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol and Anthony Joseph, “Chelsea are in talks to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax. He is one of a number of centre-backs they have been looking at.” The club has been actively evaluating their options at the back following a number of high-profile injuries last season, and the 18-year-old Dutch international fits the profile of a modern, composed ball-playing defender with leadership qualities well beyond his years.

The structure of Chelsea’s summer transfer business remains tethered to player exits. “Any further signings at Chelsea are dependent on exits,” Sky Sports report.

This strategy is not new. Chelsea’s sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, have often prioritised Financial Fair Play compliance and squad balance before major moves. But with the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Malang Sarr and possibly Conor Gallagher attracting interest, outgoings could materialise quickly to fund the proposed £115m double swoop.

Talks are underway for Xavi Simons, one of Europe’s most versatile attacking midfielders. The Dutchman spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig and impressed with his intelligence, creativity and movement across multiple attacking roles.

“Chelsea have also held talks over the signing of Xavi Simons at RB Leipzig,” say Sky Sports. His price tag is expected to hover around £70m, but his ceiling is enormous. At just 21, Simons combines elite ball progression with a work rate that would appeal to Enzo Maresca, especially given Chelsea’s upcoming return to the UEFA Champions League.

This summer feels different. With Enzo Maresca already delivering silverware in the form of the UEFA Europa Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup in his debut season, the Chelsea project looks to be heading into a mature phase. Champions League qualification has given the club a solid platform to recruit top-tier young talent again, this time with a more defined tactical blueprint under a clear football identity.

Should Chelsea complete these deals, the average age of the squad would further drop, but in doing so, the Blues would add two players ready to contribute immediately and long-term.

From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, this report is pure excitement. Hato is exactly the kind of signing that shows Chelsea mean business. At just 18, he’s already captaining Ajax and has the kind of ball control and positioning that reminds fans of peak John Terry, but with the athleticism of someone like Wesley Fofana. Getting him early could be a masterstroke.

As for Xavi Simons, he’s electric. Watching him glide between lines for Leipzig last season, it’s obvious why Chelsea are so keen. He’s got that Eden Hazard-like unpredictability in the final third and could be the perfect foil for Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku behind Nicolas Jackson.

Enzo Maresca’s first season exceeded expectations. With trophies already in the cabinet and Champions League football secured, fans feel there’s real momentum now. These two potential signings would not only fit the club’s strategy of recruiting elite young talent, but also show that the board are backing Maresca all the way.

£115m might sound steep, but in today’s market, that’s value for two future superstars. If Chelsea pull this off, we’re not just building for the future, we’re preparing to challenge right now.