Leipzig star wanted by Chelsea as Premier League interest grows | OneFootball

Chelsea Make Contact Over Xavi Simons in Pursuit of Creative Spark

Premier League clubs circle as Simons emerges as summer target

Chelsea have entered the frame for one of Europe’s most sought-after young attacking midfielders, with TeamTalk reporting that the Blues have made contact over a potential move for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. The 22-year-old Netherlands international has become a standout name in the Bundesliga and is now drawing concrete interest from several top Premier League clubs.

Sources suggest Chelsea have taken initial steps to explore the feasibility of a deal, reaching out to Simons’ representatives to express their interest. Their aim is clear: to add a dynamic, high-ceiling talent to Enzo Maresca’s evolving midfield, one capable of breaking lines and contributing both goals and assists.

Simons’ numbers highlight value

Simons’ output at Leipzig has been eye-catching, even if consistency remains a point of discussion. Across 76 appearances, he has produced 21 goals and 23 assists, underlining his dual-threat capacity as both a finisher and creator. His contract runs until 2027, but the Bundesliga club are reportedly willing to entertain offers in the region of £65 million.

That valuation reflects the potential Chelsea believe they can unlock. With the club committed to recruiting young, technically proficient players who fit their long-term strategy, Simons fits the mould.

Photo IMAGO

Competition from Premier League rivals

Chelsea are not alone in their interest. Tottenham made contact with Simons’ camp in January and remain attentive to his situation, though they have not progressed discussions. Arsenal and Liverpool have also expressed admiration, with Arsenal monitoring from afar and Liverpool’s Arne Slot reportedly keen.

Yet it is Chelsea who appear the most proactive at this stage, positioning themselves to move ahead of their domestic rivals should Leipzig formalise the player’s availability.

Simons is said to favour a club that can offer regular game time, and that could prove decisive in determining his next move.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is the kind of move that makes sense both for the present and the future — a young, versatile midfielder who thrives on the ball, creates chances, and is hungry for the next stage of his development.

What makes Simons especially appealing is his profile. He is not just technically gifted, but productive. Twenty-one goals and twenty-three assists in under 80 games is elite output, particularly for a player still developing. He has that rare ability to glide through tight spaces and unlock defensive lines, something Chelsea have often lacked in recent seasons.

There’s also a tactical flexibility to his game that suits Maresca’s evolving system. He can play centrally, drift wide or operate as a second striker. And importantly, he wants to play regularly — a sign of ambition, not arrogance.

The reported £65 million fee is steep, but in today’s market, that represents value for a player with Champions League experience and genuine star potential. If Chelsea can beat their rivals to this signature, it could prove one of the most decisive moves of the window.