Chelsea are advancing in talks with RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons over a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
The West Londoners are in discussions with Simons’ camp over a transfer to the club. An agreement is now edging closer between the Dutch international and Chelsea.
Negotiations over personal terms are ongoing, ahead of a formal approach from Chelsea to Leipzig for the player.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Chelsea want to accelerate an agreement with Simons before proceeding with talks with Leipzig, amid competition for the 22-year-old’s signature.
🚨🔵 Understand Chelsea are advancing in talks with Xavi Simons on personal terms!
Xavi, keen on the move and open to joining Chelsea… direct talks in progress to agree contract details and terms.
Chelsea want to be fast ahead of club to club talks with Leipzig. pic.twitter.com/4XhH6gzeOL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2025
Arsenal are monitoring developments, while Bayern Munich are informed on the situation. The latter are long-term admirers of Simons and in the market for attacking reinforcements.
Simons is keen to quit Leipzig after the German side failed to secure European qualification.
The midfielder signed for Leipzig for an initial fee of €55m (£47.6m) in January, following a loan spell from Paris Saint-Germain. Last season, he scored 10 goals and assisted seven more in 25 Bundesliga starts. He had been named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season following an impressive debut campaign with the club in 2023/24.
Leipzig are open to his sale this summer for an immediate profit, though any offers will need to start in excess of €65m (£56m). The club’s purchase of Simons from PSG was a deal that could rise to €80m (£69m) but the add-ons are yet to have been met.
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