Chelsea’s transfer ambitions have encountered a significant hurdle in their quest to sign Xavi Simons. Despite their impressive £240 million summer spending spree, it seems the Dutch midfielder may slip through their fingers. Securing Simons is proving to be as challenging as snatching the last pie during halftime.
Ongoing Talks with RB Leipzig
The Blues have been in negotiations with RB Leipzig regarding a potential move for the 22-year-old Netherlands international. While personal terms appear to be agreed upon, the two clubs are currently at an impasse over the transfer fee. Leipzig is steadfast in their valuation of nearly £60 million, while Chelsea hoped to secure Simons for less than £52 million.
Possible Player-Plus-Cash Deal
In an effort to sweeten the deal, discussions have included the possibility of Christopher Nkunku returning to Leipzig as part of a player-plus-cash arrangement. However, Leipzig’s sporting director, Marcel Schafer, has dampened Chelsea’s hopes with a blunt assessment: “We make all our decisions based on sporting and economic criteria. Currently, that is not the case, and if nothing changes, Xavi will remain an RB Leipzig player.”
Simons Shines Amidst Transfer Speculation
Amid this uncertainty, Xavi Simons is not allowing transfer rumors to disrupt his performance. He recently played the full 90 minutes in Leipzig’s DFB Pokal first-round match against fourth-tier Sandhausen, contributing both a goal and an assist in their 4-2 victory.
Competition from Manchester City
Adding to Chelsea’s concerns, Manchester City has reportedly expressed interest in Simons. His versatility to play as both an attacking midfielder and a winger makes him an appealing target for the Premier League champions.
Chelsea’s Summer Investments
Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, has already made considerable investments this summer, bringing in eight new players for over £240 million. Four of these newcomers—Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Estevao—featured in Sunday’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, while Jorrel Hato and Dario Essugo were unused substitutes.
Despite the influx of talent, Chelsea’s season began with a lackluster goalless draw at home against Crystal Palace. This result serves as a reminder that even with a quarter of a billion spent, scoring a goal can be as tricky as finding a London taxi in the rain on a Saturday night.