Fabrizio Romano Chelsea transfer round-up: Player 'only wants' Blues as another exit looms

Chelsea are still busy in the transfer market as they look to build a squad of high enough quality to compete for the Premier League title. The Blues have already made three statement signings, but there is more business to come as Enzo Maresca looks to further beef up his attack while also adding depth to the back line.

A strong summer of business looks to be very much an necessity, too, with Liverpool and others spending big in a bid to improve. Here we round up the latest transfer news surrounding the Blues from transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano.

Hato update

Chelsea have clearly decided upon Ajax centre-back Jorrel Hato as their preferred option when it comes to a defensive signing. As things stand, the Blues are said to have come up short with their bid compared to Ajax’s asking price, which is said to be around £52million, but it does seem as though a deal will be done sooner or later.

Romano has posted: “Understand Chelsea and Ajax will be again in direct contact from start of new week for Jorrel Hato deal. Hato has been clear with Ajax: he only wants Chelsea, the contract is ready… up to the clubs. Talks well underway.”

The 19-year-old defender is already a key player for Ajax, serving as one of the vce-captains, while he has already been capped for the Netherlands senior team. Hato certainly fits Chelsea’s recruitment profile of being a young talent with room to progress further.

Penders set for exit

Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders looks to be on his way out, albeit temporarily, with a loan move to sister club Strasbourg in the offing. Romano has posted: “Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders will travel to Austria on Monday to sign in as new Strasbourg player on loan.”

The news is a little surprising after reports that Maresca was a big fan of Penders and that he valued the goalkeeper heading into the new season. Though, with Robert Sanchez - or a potential replacement - and Filip Jorgensen ahead of Penders, it does seem like the logical option to get him out playing regular football given he is 19 and needs to keep developing. Chelsea can quite easily have a veteran option play the role of third-choice keeper who is unlikely to see any football.

Felix departs

Finally, Joao Felix is now an Al-Nassr player, penning a relatively short-term deal. Romano has said: “João Félix’s contract at Al Nassr will be valid until June 2027, two years.” Chelsea will reportedly receive around £40million for the deal, which is remarkable value given the Portugal international has not impressed during his time with the club.

There are also said to be add-ons baked into the deal that will allow Chelsea to make their money back. The Blues seemed to be ready to sell Felix for significantly less this summer, but Saudi Arabian clubs typically pay more, and Chelsea have cashed in on this occasion.

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