Chelsea are in the market for a versatile attacking player this summer and Xavi Simons has been identified as a target, football.london understands.
The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 games for RB Leipzig over the course of the 2024/25 campaign and now the season is over, speculation over his future is rife. Chelsea are one of the several clubs keeping a close eye on Simons’ situation at the Red Bull Arena.
The Netherlands international is approaching the final two years of his Leipzig contract and the German club are said to be asking for €80million (£68.5million) for Simons. While Leipzig are not actively looking to sell the talented Dutchman, there is reportedly an acceptance at the club that he will look to move on eventually.
As has been the case in recent seasons, Leipzig are usually willing to business for the right price. The Germans, who are part of the Red Bull franchise, have sold the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Szoboszlai, Naby Keita, Timo Werner, Ibrahima Konate, and more, to Premier League clubs in recent years.
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It seems like the next one to get a move away from eastern Germany will be Simons. Speaking a couple of months ago, Simons admitted he had “many dreams” and his employers are well aware of that.
“I’m still a young player, I have many dreams and the club knows that,” said Simons in April. “But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games.”
Chelsea are looking for an attacking option who can occupy multiple positions across the front line, especially given the expectation that Christopher Nkunku, who ironically was also signed from Leipzig, will depart from Stamford Bridge this summer. Other options for the Blues include Joao Pedro from Brighton and Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United.
All three options are expected to cost a similar price. Brighton are said to demand £60million for Pedro, while Kudus could cost £65million, and – as mentioned above – Simons will not be allowed to leave unless £68.5million goes Leipzig’s way.
