Xavi Simons has transfer advantage over Chelsea stars and Jorrel Hato

Chelsea continue to talk with RB Leipzig as the clubs look to reach an agreement for the signing of Xavi Simons.

The 22-year-old Dutchman has a broad agreement in place with the Blues on personal terms as the player patiently waits for the clubs to sort the rest out. Chelsea opened talks with Leipzig last week and negotiations are understood to be progressing well, however there is no agreement in place at the time of writing.

Chelsea are looking to wrap up negotiations this week as the club look to bring Simons in for the start of their mini pre-season. The Blues' preparations for the upcoming campaign have been disrupted due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea's win against Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the revamped competition came on July 13 - just over one month until the start of the Premier League season.

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Enzo Maresca and his players will return to Cobham on Monday, August 4, football.london understands, as they prepare for two pre-season friendlies in quick succession against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. The two matches, both taking place at Stamford Bridge as part of the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender, are on August 8 and 10, with the latter happening exactly seven days before the Blues' season opener against Crystal Palace in SW6.

Chelsea will be hoping a deal for Simons can be wrapped up and completed in time for August 4, so the Netherlands international can have as much time as possible to adapt to his new surrounding and meet his teammates. Simons, fortunately for the Blues, has already had a bit of a pre-season under his belt, so the Dutchman may actually be in better nick than the rest of the squad.

Simons starred for Leipzig as they demolished Toulouse 7-0 at the weekend. The Chelsea transfer target was clearly not distracted by the goings on behind the scenes in relation to his future as he provided two first-half assists against the French side before being taken off at the half-time interval.

Meanwhile, Jorrel Hato, who Chelsea remain confident in signing, has not had as much time out on the grass as Simons. The 19-year-old defender was left out of Ajax's matchday squad for their pre-season friendly against Celtic last week due to growing speculation over the Dutchman's future. He was also left out of the squad for the defeat to Como over the weekend.

In fact, Hato is yet to feature for the Dutch side this summer. Chelsea are hoping to wrap up a deal to sign the sought-after teenage talent with talks advancing with Ajax over a move for the defender. football.london understands Hato has already given Chelsea the green light after agreeing personal terms last week.

Ajax will sell Hato for the right price as talks continue over a fee. Chelsea, meanwhile, have been boosted financially with Joao Felix set to join Al-Nassr on a two-year contract after a total package of £43.7million was agreed with the Saudi Pro League side over the weekend.