By GETHIN HICKS
Published: | Updated:
Chelsea are reportedly in the advanced stages of a deal to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who was once a wonderkid at Barcelona, is expected to leave the Bundesliga club this summer after they failed to secure Champions League football last season.
He only joined Leipzig last summer in a deal worth an initial £43million, with the German club said to be seeking a fee of £60million to secure his services a year later.
Negotiations between the two club’s representatives are thought to be progressing well, with talks over personal terms also advanced, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Simons, who can play midfield and on the wing, spent three seasons at Leipzig, two of those on loan from French giants PSG.
His stats make for impressive reading, with the highly-rated talent netting 10 goals and providing seven assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances last term. At the age of 22, he’s also already racked up 28 appearances for the Netherlands national team.
Chelsea are believed to be in the advanced stages of a deal for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons
The Dutch playmaker is thought to be keen on the move, with him rated at around £60million
Enzo Maresca is looking to bolster his forward line after losing Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke
However if the deal gets over the line, Simons will join a squad at Stamford Bridge almost over-flowing with talent in attacking areas.
While already boasting the likes of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto, The Blues have strengthened their squad already this summer with the additions of Joao Pedro for £60million and Liam Delap for £30million.
Winger Jamie Gittens also joined from Borussia Dortmund for £55m, while highly rated Brazilian teenager Estevao will arrive from Palmeiras for £29m.
They have however offloaded both Jadon Sancho, who returned to Manchester United, and Noni Madueke.
Englishman Madueke sealed a £52million deal to north London rivals Arsenal earlier this month.
Enzo Maresca is reportedly also looking to offload the out-of-favour Christopher Nkunku, who struggled to secure a regular place in the starting eleven this season.
Nicolas Jackson has also been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge having dropped down the pecking order.
Chelsea insist they are in no rush to sell and value Jackson, who they signed two years ago for £32m, at £100m despite the search to find an upgrade.
Simons would join a star-studded frontline at Chelsea already including Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro
Former Brighton man Pedro joined The Blues in a £60million deal earlier this summer
Manchester United are thought to be one of the clubs in for the striker, with the Red Devils keen to replace struggling Dane Rasmus Hojlund.
Raheem Sterling returned to the club this summer following his season-long loan at Arsenal, with Joao Felix back from a spell at AC Milan.
Both players are however unlikely to feature in Maresca’s plans this term and no-doubt looking for a move away from west London.
Winger Mykhailo Mudryk was last month charged by the Football Association for breaking anti-doping rules following a failed drugs test, with the Ukrainian facing the threat of a four-year ban
