Chelsea transfer news: Jorrel Hato signs for Enzo Maresca as further summer additions at Stamford Bridge touted

Chelsea have completed the signing of Ajax defender Jorrel Hato for an initial fee of £35.5m, with the club expected to make more additions.

The Blues managed to qualify for the Champions League last season, and have strengthened considerably this summer transfer window in a bid to build a side capable of challenging for the title.

Forwards such as Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap have been added to Enzo Maresca's squad, with the manager keen on improving his options in attack.

While much of Chelsea's business has been centred on the frontline, there have made relatively few additions in defence, with centre-back Mamadou Sarr loaned back to Strasbourg for the upcoming season.

However, the Londoners will add Hato to their defensive ranks given he has signed a seven-year contract, and the 19-year-old is expected to offer cover at left-back and in central defence.

Who else could Chelsea sign this summer?

Chelsea's expenditure this summer has surpassed the £250m mark, and their spending is only second to Liverpool in the Premier League so far this transfer window.

The club's transfer may not be over given they continue to be linked to the likes of Xavi Simons, who is expected to cost in the region of £60m.

Elsewhere, Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho recently liked a post on Instagram that detailed Chelsea's supposed desire to bring him to Stamford Bridge, fuelling speculation that he could soon be the subject of an approach from the Londoners.

If both players were signed before the deadline, the Blues' total outlay would come close to £400m, and they would be the club's 53rd and 54th additions of the Todd Boehly era.

Are Chelsea making a mistake with their transfers?

It is difficult to fault the ambition of Chelsea's decision makers considering how much they have spent since purchasing the club in 2022, but there is an argument that the team do not yet have a clear direction.

Hato will need consistent game time in a settled position if he is to reach his full potential, and he may not be afforded either in London,

The potential additions of Garnacho and Simons would further complicate matters in the forward line considering both predominantly play from the left, but Chelsea already have Gittens.

Maresca has managed to win two trophies during his time with the Blues despite transfer turbulence, so perhaps he will be able to make the most of the players he has been provided with next term.