Chelsea open talks to sign RB Lepzig star Xavi Simons | OneFootball

Chelsea have opened talks to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons (h/t journalist Florian Plettenberg).

Chelsea have opened talks with the player’s camp to see if they can agree personal terms before initiating negotiations with Leipzig.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also interested, but both clubs are currently preoccupied.

The Gunners are still negotiating a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, while Bayern are in the market for a left winger and have Liverpool’s Luis Diaz on their radar.

Chelsea are leading the race for Simons, and the club has a knack for avoiding long-drawn-out transfer sagas, so this deal could progress quickly in the coming days.

Champions League qualification and their recent victory at the Club World Cup have helped Chelsea reclaim their status among Europe’s elite.

Wth a youthful project finally blossoming at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are an enticing option for young players around the world.

Chelsea are also interested in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, but Simons could be a more cost-effective option.

Simons has been described as an ‘exceptional‘ player and would further bolster Chelsea’s star-studded attacking options. But it could also spell the end for Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman could be on his way out of the club amid interest from Bayern and Manchester United.

Chelsea won’t stand in his way if the right offer comes through. But that won’t stop them from pushing to sign Simons.

The Netherlands international is considered one of the finest talents across Europe, and he would be a statement signing for Chelsea.

Simons can play in several attacking positions, and manager Enzo Maresca is a big fan of versatile players.

Leipzig will demand around €80m (£69.3m) for Simons, but Chelsea will be hoping to negotiate a lower fee by sweetening the deal with a favourable structure.