Chelsea close to £35m deal for Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and want RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons

Hato, 19, can play at left-back or centre-back Dutch forward Simons could cost up to €70m Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Jorrel Hato from Ajax and have opened talks with RB Leipzig over a move for his Netherlands teammate Xavi Simons. It is understood that personal terms have been agreed with Hato, a defender who has made more than 100 appearances for Ajax’s first team despite only turning 19 in March. Negotiations with the Dutch side over a fee of around €40m (£35m) are believed to be in the final stages, with Enzo Maresca hoping to add to his options at left-back and in central defence.