Chelsea make Jorrel Hato transfer breakthrough as Xavi Simons double deal edges closer

Chelsea are in advanced talks with Ajax over a move for defender Jorrel Hato, football.london understands, as the Blues press forward with their summer transfer business.

As reported earlier on what has been a hectic Wednesday in terms of transfer news at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea initiated contact with Ajax over a possible deal for Hato. Talks have progressed at a swift rate since and the Blues are now looking to wrap proceedings up as quickly as possible.

Personal terms are not an issue for Hato, who has informed the Dutch club he wishes to leave and complete a move to the FIFA Club World Cup champions. Chelsea are looking to add another central defender to their ranks this summer and cover for Marc Cucurella at left-back. Hato ticks both boxes for the Blues.

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During talks with Ajax, the Dutch club enquired about the possibility of signing Ishé Samuels-Smith, football.london understands, though no formal approach has been made as of yet. The 19-year-old defender's entourage are currently in France discussing a permanent switch to Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, with personal terms the centre of conversation in recent days.

Samuels-Smith has made it clear he wishes to join Strasbourg and will fly from his family home in Manchester to eastern France to finalise a move once he gets the green light from his camp. Sources close to the deal told football.london earlier on Wednesday that it had been a slow few days of negotiations but there is hope a deal can be wrapped up by the end of the week.

Elsewhere, Chelsea are locked in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Xavi Simons. The 22-year-old has had representatives talking to the Blues in recent days over a move and there is now a broad verbal agreement in place over personal terms. Bayern Munich have also expressed an interest in Simons, but the Barcelona academy graduate is keen on moving to SW6.