Xavi Simons drops Chelsea transfer clue with classy Jorrel Hato message as £37m deal confirmed

Xavi Simons has congratulated Jorrel Hato on his transfer from Ajax to Chelsea. The Blues announced the signing of the 19-year-old defender on Sunday afternoon, making him the sixth addition of the summer.

football.london understands that Chelsea reached an agreement with the Dutch giants a few days ago following staunch negotiations. Hato will provide Enzo Maresca with long overdue cover for Marc Cucurella, who played over 5,000 minutes for club and country last season.

"I'm very excited, I'm so happy to be here," said the Netherlands international, speaking to the club website. "I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that, so I am very happy."

The west London outfit announced the transfer on Instagram with a picture of Hato standing on a podium at Cobham training ground. The post, which eclipsed a quarter of million likes by Monday morning, perked the interest of Simons.

The RB Leipzig star, who has recently been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, congratulated Hato on his move. Simons commented: "Miboy [red heart emoji]."

Chelsea have forked out well over £200m on new players this summer, but Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart have shown no sign of slowing down. football.london understands that the Blues are hoping to make significant progress in the race to sign Simons this week.

There's a broad agreement in place between the 22-year-old maestro and Chelsea regarding personal terms. As it stands, though, it remains to be seen whether or not the Blues will compromise on a fee with Leipzig.

Hato penned an open letter to 'Ajacieden' on Instagram, thanking staff and supporters for helping him achieve his dream. The new Chelsea defender, who made his 100th appearance for Ajax in March, wrote: " It's hard to find the right words, because Ajax is my home.

"From the moment I joined the club as a young boy, I've dreamt of playing in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Thanks to your support and the trust of everyone in the club, that dream has become a reality.

"After seven wonderful years it's time to take a new step in my career. This wasn't an easy decision, because Ajax has shaped me as a football player and as a human being.

"I want to thank everyone: my coaches, my teammates, the people behind the scenes and of course the supporters who have always supported us through thick and thin."

Hato added: "Ajax will always have a special place in my heart and will always remain an Ajacied, wherever I am. Thank you Amsterdam, home forever."

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