Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed a dramatic twist in the transfer saga of Xavi Simons, with the Dutch midfield star now open to joining Chelsea. Despite previously flying under the radar in Chelsea’s summer plans, Simons has suddenly emerged as one of the club’s top targets, and direct contact has already been made between the two parties.
From Leipzig to London? Simons Seeks New Challenge
Simons, who enjoyed an impressive season on loan at RB Leipzig, appears ready to move on. While he only officially joined the German club earlier this year, Leipzig’s failure to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League has reportedly prompted the 21-year-old to consider his options.
According to Romano, the player is open to leaving Leipzig and exploring new challenges. His representatives have held direct talks with Chelsea in recent days, and discussions between the two clubs are expected to officially begin this week to explore a potential deal.
Chelsea Ready to Act, But Sales Will Be Key
Chelsea are eager to strengthen their midfield options under new head coach Enzo Maresca, with Simons seen as a perfect fit for the club’s attacking and high-tempo style. However, a deal won’t be straightforward.
The Blues will likely need to offload several players to make room in both the squad and the budget. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) considerations in play, Chelsea are reportedly planning a few departures before they can submit a serious offer. Players like Romelu Lukaku and others could be moved on to raise funds.
If they can successfully balance the books, Chelsea is poised to push hard for Simons, a player who ticks all the boxes for Maresca’s project at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal Cool Interest as Focus Shifts Elsewhere
Arsenal had previously been linked with Simons, but recent reports suggest the Gunners are now prioritising other targets, particularly Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres. With Arsenal’s transfer focus elsewhere and their own budget constraints to manage, Chelsea currently leads the race for Simons.
It’s understood that any further Arsenal movement would depend on outgoings from their squad, making Chelsea’s position even stronger in the current moment.
Negotiations between Chelsea and RB Leipzig are expected to intensify over the coming days. Whether Chelsea can finalise the deal will largely depend on how quickly they can generate the required funds through player sales.
For now, one thing is clear: Xavi Simons is open to a move, Chelsea is interested, and a blockbuster transfer could be on the horizon.
