It is looking increasingly likely that Chelsea will sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax this summer.
On Wednesday, it emerged that Hato had become a priority for Chelsea, who are now trying to finalise a deal with their Dutch counterparts.
It may not be the only piece of business conducted between the two clubs during this transfer window, though.
Ajax are also thought to be interested in signing one of Chelsea‘s players before the market closes.
- READ MORE: Chelsea tipped to strike separate agreement with Ajax alongside Jorrel Hato, it could be huge
Ajax make Ishe Samuels-Smith enquiry
Ajax have used discussions with Chelsea over Hato‘s potential sale to ask about Ishe Samuels-Smith.
According to football.london, Ajax “enquired” about the possibility of signing Samuels-Smith, who could be the perfect replacement for Hato.
Like the Dutchman, the Chelsea academy product is capable of playing at both left-back and centre-back.
Hato is not the only Netherlands international who could be heading to west London before the start of the new season.
Chelsea are also interested in Xavi Simons and may not find it too hard to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge. It has been claimed that Simons has always “dreamed” of playing for Chelsea.
The attacking midfielder has also been linked with a move to the Allianz Arena, but Bayern Munich’s focus is on signing Luis Diaz from Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Liverpool.
Ishe Samuels-Smith has already chosen his next destination
While Chelsea may be able to lure the likes of Simons and Hato to west London, Ajax could find it tricky to convince Samuels-Smith to move to Amsterdam.
Football.london’s report claims that the 19-year-old’s preference is to join Strasbourg. However, with negotiations going slowly, it could give Ajax an opportunity to turn the player’s head.
Both clubs have shown that they are capable of developing young footballers, something Strasbourg did very well last season.
Andrey Santos, who spent the previous campaign on loan at the Ligue 1 outfit, has really improved, for example.
Ultimately, then, a switch to Strasbourg or Ajax could really benefit Samuels-Smith’s development.
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