Kenya, July 24 -- Chelsea FC has intensified efforts to secure a Xavi Simons transfer from RB Leipzig, with negotiations advancing rapidly alongside talks for Ajax's Jorrel Hato, according to reports from Sky Sports and football.london.

The Blues, under manager Enzo Maresca, aim to bolster their attacking and defensive lines with the two Dutch stars, with Simons, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, emerging as a top target after scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists in 34 Bundesliga games last season.

The club's pursuit, however, hinges on raising over £60 million through player sales to comply with UEFA's financial rules, prompting speculation about exits like Christopher Nkunku and Raheem Sterling.

Xavi Simons, who joined RB Leipzig permanently from Paris Saint-Germain in January 2025, has attracted interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United, but Chelsea are in pole position, with personal terms nearly agreed, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Simons' versatility as a No. 10 or winger, praised by Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk for his "superb mentality," makes him a perfect fit for Maresca's attacking setup.

His standout Euro 2024 performance, including a stunning goal against England, has fueled excitement among Chelsea fans, with fans stating, "Xavi Simons and Hato: Chelsea advance in talks to get both."

RB Leipzig's openness to a deal, potentially below the initial €80 million valuation, has given Chelsea a transfer boost, though Simons may delay his decision until later in the window.

Jorrel Hato, the 19-year-old Ajax defender, is another key target, with Chelsea in advanced talks to sign the versatile centre-back who can also play left-back.

Ajax are holding out for £52 million (€60m), while Chelsea value Hato at £44 million (€50m), using Arsenal's £38.5 million deal for Jurrien Timber as a benchmark.

Hato's agent, Humphry Nijman, confirmed to De Telegraaf, "Yes, the club has contacted Ajax," signaling the player's readiness to join Chelsea. His 31 Eredivisie appearances last season and ability to cover for Marc Cucurella, who logged over 5,000 minutes in 2024/25, make him a strategic addition.

Arsenal and Liverpool have also scouted Hato, but Chelsea's proactive negotiations have them leading the race.

Chelsea's transfer strategy, driven by financial constraints, involves offloading players like Nkunku, who shone in the FIFA Club World Cup, and Sterling, whose Arsenal loan yielded just two goals in 14 games.

Other potential departures include Joao Felix, Ben Chilwell, and Carney Chukwuemeka, with RB Leipzig eyeing the latter after his lackluster Dortmund loan. Fulham's interest in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could further fund the "Dutch double" of Simons and Hato, as noted by Livemint.

The Blues' recent signings, including Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, reflect Maresca's focus on youth, but the squad's bloat requires trimming to accommodate high-profile arrivals.

Social media flocked with fans calling the potential signings a "10/10 summer transfer," while others questioned Simons' fit alongside recent addition Gittens.

Some fans falsely claimed the deals were off, but reliable sources confirm ongoing progress.

In Kenya, where football fandom is surging, interest in Premier League transfers is high, with top trend showing spikes in searches for "Xavi Simons transfer Chelsea 2025" and "Jorrel Hato Ajax deal." The excitement reflects Chelsea's global appeal, particularly among African fans following European football.

The transfer window, with just over a month left, is critical for Chelsea to finalize these deals. Simons' prior stint at PSV, where he scored 19 goals in 34 games, and his Barcelona youth academy roots highlight his pedigree, while Hato's emergence as one of Europe's top young defenders adds long-term value.

However, concerns linger about Simons' "over-eagerness," as noted by former coach Aad de Mos, and Hato's relative inexperience.

As Chelsea navigate UEFA's financial regulations and rival interest from Arsenal and Bayern, the outcome of these talks will shape their 2025/26 Premier League and Champions League campaigns, with fans eagerly awaiting official announcements.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.