Chelsea’s summer business is far from done. After already making several moves in the market, the club is now pushing for two promising Dutch stars, Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato.
According to reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are making steady progress behind the scenes and could be close to landing both players.
While the focus has been on building for the future, there’s a sense of urgency too. Chelsea are still chasing European football after a disappointing season, and with Mauricio Pochettino gone and Enzo Maresca now in charge, the squad needs to be reshaped to suit his ideas.
Adding players like Simons and Hato would be a statement of intent and a step in the right direction.
The Two Names on Chelsea's Transfer List
Xavi Simons is still young, but he’s already played for PSG and RB Leipzig. He performed well at both clubs. Now some big teams are interested in him, and Chelsea are showing more interest in him.
Jorrel Hato is a different kind of prospect. Hato is just 18 but already plays regularly for Ajax’s first team. He’s even worn the captain armband few times already.
He's always composed on the ball and looks physically strong for his age. Hato can play as a centre-back or left-back. which adds flexibility, something Chelsea need.
Romano: Chelsea Getting Closer to Simons Deal
Fabrizio Romano shared fresh updates this week and sounded confident about the Simons deal. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:
“My feeling is that this deal will happen. The relationship between the clubs is very good.”
Romano also noted that the discussions are progressing smoothly.
“They are having two separate discussions, one for Carney Chukwuemeka and one for Xavi Simons. But Chelsea and RB Leipzig are in contact. And the talks on personal terms are going very well.
I think they’ll agree every detail of personal terms very soon. I still expect Xavi Simons has a very good chance of joining Chelsea this summer.”
In a follow-up post on social media, Romano added:
“Understand Chelsea and RB Leipzig are now in advanced talks for Xavi Simons. Negotiations club to club progressing well, still work to do but heading positive direction.
Xavi, keen on Chelsea project with personal terms talks also advanced.”
It’s clear Chelsea have put real effort into getting Simons on board. They know he’s not just talented. He’s flexible, works hard on the pitch, and has played in different leagues. That fit how Enzo Maresca likes his team to play, with movement and good positioning.
Chelsea Using Arsenal’s Old Approach for Hato Deal
While Simons might be the more high-profile name, Chelsea are also working hard on the Jorrel Hato deal. This one is a little more complex because Ajax are known to drive a hard bargain, especially for their top academy players.
But again, Romano shed light on Chelsea’s strategy. He explained that the Blues are taking inspiration from Arsenal’s previous deal for Jurrien Timber.
“For Hato, Chelsea are using the old deal made by Arsenal a few years ago for Jurrien Timber, same position, same club for the fee. They want to spend €40m and that’s their idea in negotiations with Ajax. Ajax want more, so talks are ongoing,” Romano stated.
Importantly, Romano mentioned that the player himself is pushing for the move.
“Chelsea feel strong because the player has taken a strong position as he’s told Ajax he wants to go.”
That last part matters. When a young player wants to leave, it usually helps transfer deal. Ajax may want more money, but they also know that keeping an unhappy player isn’t ideal for either party.
Why Chelsea Want These Two Players
Chelsea have signed a lot of young players recently, but the team still doesn’t look ready. There’s talent in the squad, but the rebuild hasn’t finished.
Bringing in players like Simons and Hato isn’t just about adding more youth, it’s about adding players who are already playing senior football at a high level. That’s the difference.
Simons scored 19 goals and assists last season for Leipzig. He’s played in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
He can play as a winger or in attacking midfield. Maresca likes flexible players like Simon and could really make good use of him.
Hato plays like someone older than his age. He understands the game, compose well under pressure, and knows how to position himself on the pitch. He’d bring balance to a Chelsea backline that has been inconsistent.
The important thing is that both players fit how Chelsea want to play. The club doesn't want to manage player again, they’re after young players who can improve and make a difference.
Simons Interested in Joining Chelsea
One of the big talking points is Simons’ willingness to join. According to reports, he's intrigued by Chelsea’s project and sees an opportunity to become a regular starter in the Premier League.
Leipzig still hold a position in negotiations because of the loan structure between them and PSG, but Chelsea have been smart with their timing and approach. They’ve had contacts with all parties involved and appear to have gained momentum.
From a fan’s point of view, the idea of Simons playing alongside Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer is exciting.
It's not just about collecting players anymore, it’s about finding a balance, and Simons could help link the midfield with the attack, which was a missing piece last season.
Hato Could Help Strengthen Chelsea’s Defence
Chelsea’s backline has been a talking point for the last few seasons. Injuries, inconsistency, and an aging Thiago Silva have forced the club to rethink their defensive options.
Hato, although still only 18, could be an answer. He’s left-footed, can play out from the back, and his positioning is solid.
He’s also used to a system that demands technical quality, something that Maresca will definitely bring to Chelsea.
Getting Hato won’t be easy, especially with Ajax demanding more than Chelsea’s €40m offer, but if the player is keen to move, that usually tips the scales over time.
Wanderlustsport Verdict
This Chelsea window feels different. It’s not just splashing cash on big names, there’s a real focus on the right profiles.
Both Simons and Hato fit the mold of what Chelsea need now. These are young players who’ve already played at a high level, understand the game, and want to keep improving.
Chelsea still have more work to do.The Hato deal could drag out a bit longer, and Simons might need clearance from PSG due to the complicated loan deal he had with Leipzig. But all signs point toward Chelsea being in a strong position to wrap up both.
With preseason already underway and the new manager trying to install his methods, having new faces settled in early will help a lot.
For fans, the Simons news brings genuine hope. He’s not just another flashy signing. He’s not just a big-name signing. He works hard, has good skills, and always brings energy when he plays.
And if Hato arrives too, Chelsea could finally be building the kind of defensive foundation they’ve lacked since the days of John Terry and prime Azpilicueta.
Now it’s about timing, patience, and smart negotiation. Chelsea are playing it differently this time, and it just might work.