Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update involving Chelsea, with BlueCo continuing to make a splash this summer as Enzo Maresca gears up for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign.
Unofficial Chelsea swap deal possible as club open talks for Maresca outcast
It could be one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.
ByEmilio GalantiniJul 23, 2025
Fresh off their triumphs in the Conference League and Club World Cup, Chelsea have absolutely zero intention of letting up on the trophy front, and there is every reason to believe they could be contenders for the Premier League title next season.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Maresca’s side briefly contended with Liverpool last term before falling away, but the Blues are now making a series of transfer statements in their bid to close the gap.
Having already signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro for a total of around £145 million, Chelsea are also in talks to sign RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons right now.
Simons is believed to be their “new attacking priority”, according to journalist Simon Phillips, and a deal for the Netherlands international could even be done for close to £40 million – a far cry beneath the widely reported £65m potential fee.
This is partly backed up by other reliable media sources, like Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, who reports that very positive talks between Leipzig and Chelsea have taken place.
Given the Bundesliga side’s simultaneous negotiations for Carney Chukwuemeka, an ‘unofficial swap deal’ is also very possible here.
Amidst their pursuit of Simons, Chelsea are also very close to ending their search for another centre-back.
Indeed, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is their chief target in this regard, with Romano reporting that they’re now in ongoing talks to sign the Dutchman.
The player’s own agent even confirmed this story in an interview with De Telegraaf, so this is definitely one to watch for the coming days.
Now, Romano has shared more information on the versatile centre-back, and he has a burning desire for Stamford Bridge.
Jorrel Hato tells John Heitinga he wants to join Chelsea
It is believed that Hato has made it clear to Ajax and their manager, John Heitinga, that he wants to join Chelsea after also agreeing personal terms with the west Londoners.
Chelsea talks with Ajax for Hato are now very advanced, and in more good news for Maresca, their top defensive target could join for just £35 million.
“Chelsea have reached agreement on personal terms with Jorrel Hato and the defender has asked Ajax to leave,” wrote Romano on X.
“Negotiations advancing to final stages, as fee discussed now is around €40m. Hato informed Ajax management and the manager of his clear desire to join.”
The 19-year-old primarily played as a left-back under Franceso Farioli last season, meaning he’d be comfortable operating as cover for Marc Cucurella as well as at the heart of Maresca’s backline.
Hato’s potential signing kills two birds with one stone, and despite his age, the player has plenty of top-level experience already.