Xavi Simons breaks silence after Chelsea transfer talks as opening offer ‘rejected’

Chelsea are locked in transfer talks for what they hope will be their sixth, and seventh, summer arrivals. A Noni Madueke replacement and a versatile defender are being targeted with the Blues having identified Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato.

Negotiations with RB Leipzig and Ajax are ongoing with both players keen on joining and those talks advancing. However, Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich could hijack their attempts – with Alejandro Garnacho and Kenan Yildiz as alternatives to Simons.

There seems to be no one like Hato available on the market with it therefore unsurprising that Chelsea want to move swiftly in discussions. The Dutchmen was left out of Ajax’s squad for the pre-season friendly against Celtic.

As for Simons, it seems to be business as usual for now with the 22-year-old in RB Leipzig training – and sending a clear message. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours;

Simons breaks silence amid transfer talks

While talks between Chelsea and RB Leipzig are advancing, Simons has remained professional and continued pre-season preparations with the German club.

Posting on to his Instagram story, Simons is pictured mid-air – taking in the ball with a smart piece of skill. An emoji of three Z’s has also been placed on top of the image.

football.london says: Although Simons wants the move and talks have started, an agreement is still some way off as he is still in Leipzig training.

A potential deal has moved rather quickly though, with the aim likely to have him in the doors of Stamford Bridge by Friday, August 8 which is the club’s first official pre-season friendly after they partook – and won – this summer’s inaugural Club World Cup.

The still image posted to his social media also shows Chelsea the kind of player they will be signing. His preference to play as a No.10 will likely see him and Cole Palmer deployed behind one of Joao Pedro, Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap.

Hato bid rejected

According to ESPN Netherlands, Ajax have rejected Chelsea’s opening bid to sign Hato. Though many were of the belief he missed the clash against Celtic because of firm interest from west London, it was actually due to the fact he had only just returned to camp with head coach John Heitinga offering an update.

“He’s still an Ajax player,” he said. “I can’t promise anything. We still have to train, and it’s still a few days.

“But he and Taylor are still Ajax players at the moment.”

football.london says: Everything is pointing towards Hato being a Chelsea player come Sunday, August 17. The intentions of both has since been made clear with the Blues very keen to have him signed – as soon as possible – while Ajax want to receive a fair price if they do sell.

A further hint on his future will seemingly be provided in the next week if no transfer development emerges with any involvement for Ajax an indication if they plan to keep him. Missing out again, especially having trained much more, would suggest he is on the move.

Very rarely does an opening bid get accepted anyway and therefore it is hardly surprising to see the Dutch club turn it down but it looks highly unlikely that Chelsea will abandon the deal.