Chelsea ready to let four players leave as Enzo Maresca considers Jorrel Hato transfer

Chelsea are considering a bid for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, according to football.london, as the Blues' summer dealings continue following their recent Club World Cup victory in the United States. Fresh from becoming world champions in New Jersey, the squad are now enjoying some well-deserved downtime. Whether that's in the Caribbean like Cole Palmer, or in Orlando like Marc Cucurella, the Chelsea squad have been granted three weeks off to unwind and spend time with their families.

For the sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart who were both present at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, their hard work will persist over the coming weeks. Chelsea are still keen on signing a defender before the transfer window shuts and Hato, who can play as a left-back or centrally, has emerged as a significant target for the west London club.

The 19-year-old Ajax star is highly coveted this summer, with Liverpool said to be keeping a close watch on his situation as well. However, Chelsea are considering making a move for the Dutch player as they weigh up their defensive options. With the futures of Renato Veiga and Ben Chilwell appearing to be away from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could be without a natural left-back backup option for Cucurella.

Ishe Samuels-Smith could have been a potential replacement, but he is also set to depart Chelsea this summer. Whether that's on loan or permanently is yet to be confirmed, with Strasbourg, the Blues' affiliate club, showing interest in signing the 19 year old defender.

Negotiations are well underway for Samuels-Smith to make a move to Stade de la Meinau.

Chelsea are reportedly seeking at least £8million - double what the Blues paid Everton for the teenager's services back in 2023 - for Samuels-Smith.The player's representatives have been in France for over a week discussing a potential deal for the defender, although he has not yet given his approval.

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If Samuels-Smith gives his blessing , Chelsea and Strasbourg will continue discussing the fee and the structure of the deal.

There is expected to be more dealings between Chelsea and the BlueCo-owned French club in the coming weeks. Mathis Amougou has already made a permanent move there, but there are expected to be some loan deals finalised very soon.

Mike Penders is poised to spend the season under the guidance of Liam Rosenior. The 19-year-old goalkeeper, who joined from Genk this summer and was part of the 28-man squad for the recently concluded Club World Cup, is believed by the Blues to be better off gaining more first-team experience elsewhere.

Kendry Paez finds himself in a similar situation. Having arrived from Ecuador this summer, it's likely that opportunities in the first team will be scarce for the 18-year-old next season.

Strasbourg are set to sign Paez on a season-long loan deal, with hopes that the Ecuadorian international can emulate the success of Andrey Santos during his stint there last term.

Aaron Anselmino could also be leaving Chelsea temporarily. Strasbourg have expressed interest in signing the Argentine defender, who was recalled from his loan at Boca Juniors in January but has only made one appearance for the first team - a brief appearance in the Club World Cup victory over Benfica last month.