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.
Hato, who in 2023 became the youngest player to captain Ajax aged 17 and made his senior international debut a few weeks later, is capable of filling both roles and is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects. He was part of the Netherlands Under-21 side that were defeated in the semi-finals of the European Championship in Slovakia last month and has won six senior caps.
