Chelsea Nears £75m Deals for Dutch Prospects Hato, Simons

Chelsea is closing in on securing two promising Dutch talents, Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons, as part of a significant summer rebuild. Hato, a versatile 19-year-old defender capable of playing left-back and center-back, has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and is expected to sign a long-term contract, with negotiations between Chelsea and Ajax nearing completion at a fee around €40 million. Meanwhile, Chelsea is preparing an opening offer for Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, after positive club-to-club talks and agreement on personal terms, with confidence that a deal will be finalized soon. Hato's signing would provide competition and depth for the left-back position, where Marc Cucurella currently plays a heavy workload, while Simons would bolster Chelsea's attacking options. The club's strategy combines calculated investment with a balance of high-value sales, and manager Enzo Maresca views these signings as vital to maintaining Chelsea's Champions League ambitions and squad strength. Fans remain patient but optimistic as both transfers move toward completion ahead of the new Premier League season.