Xavi Simons open to Premier League switch with two clubs in fight to sign RB Leipzig star

Arsenal and Chelsea are keen on bringing RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons to the Premier League, talkSPORT understands.

The Netherlands international is expected to depart RB Leipzig this summer, and is believed to be open to testing himself in England.

Simons joined Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan deal in 2023, with the move made permanent in January.

The German giants forked out an initial £43m for the 22-year-old, with the deal including £26m in potential add-ons.

Though it is understood that not all add-ons have been paid by Leipzig.

But Simons now looks set to be on his way out just months after signing a contract until 2027.

talkSPORT understands that Simons’ suitors are hoping to agree a fee worth £56m.

However, any deal will likely see Leipzig demand add-ons, while also boasting a sell-on clause.

Simons has been linked with Newcastle United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich this window.

And Chelsea and Arsenal are now in the race as well as they look to continue their summer spending spree.

Simons, who has reportedly rejected Bayern’s advances, is a former Barcelona academy prospect.

As well as Simons, Arsenal remain focused on the signing of Eberechi Eze after sealing Noni Madueke’s signature in a £52 million deal.

For the Gunners, they will likely only bring in one of Eze or Simons if Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both stay in north London.

Should one of those go, Mikel Arteta‘s side could look at signing them both.

Arsenal haven’t yet submitted an offer for Eze, who has a £68m release clause, but talkSPORT understands talks remain ongoing with the player.

For Chelsea, the Blues see Simons as a potential replacement for Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman is free to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and if he departs, Enzo Mraesca’s side could move for Simons.

Chelsea have already signed Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens in this window, but another attacking player is on the cards.

While Simons often plays as an attacking midfielder, he can also operate on either wing or as a false nine.

And he has certainly proved he has an eye for goal having chipped in with 21 goals for Leipzig across his two seasons.

He even found the back of the net on 22 occasions for PSV during his loan stay in the 2022/23 season.

Simons also found the back of the net against England in Euro 2024 in Holland’s eventual 2-1 semi-final defeat.