Chelsea close in on Xavi Simons as RB Leipzig star eyes Premier League move
Chelsea’s summer rebuild could soon land its next big piece, with the club stepping up efforts to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old Dutch international has been on the radar for weeks, and talks have now progressed to the point where personal terms are believed to be agreed.
Simons has been one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers over the past two seasons, racking up 21 goals and 21 assists in all competitions.
His ability to operate across the front line or slot in behind the striker gives Enzo Maresca the kind of flexibility he has been pushing for since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The price and the profile
Leipzig are demanding around €50-70 million for the midfielder, with Chelsea expected to test that resolve in the coming days.
The fee would put Simons among the club’s most expensive signings, but the investment fits the profile the Blues have targeted under their current recruitment strategy - young, proven at the top level, and with significant resale value.
Manchester City are understood to be monitoring the situation closely. City could yet move if Chelsea’s negotiations don’t go well.
Simons’ potential arrival would add even more depth to an attacking unit already featuring Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Pedro Neto and Estevao.
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