Chelsea fans are buzzing with anticipation as the Club World Cup champions edge closer to signing RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons.
After weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions, the deal for the 22-year-old Dutch talent looks set to be finalized soon, with personal terms reportedly already agreed.
Leipzig Await Chelsea’s Official Bid
While Chelsea and Simons’ camp appear to be on the same page, RB Leipzig have yet to receive a formal bid.
The Bundesliga side values Simons at around £60 million, but an offer seems imminent.
Sources suggest Chelsea hope to complete the transfer after Leipzig’s opening match of the season this weekend.
Florian Plettenberg reports that Simons’ final appearance for Leipzig is expected on Friday at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich, after which the move is likely to be confirmed.
Simons Keen on a Stamford Bridge Move
The former Barcelona wonderkid impressed in Germany last season, netting 10 league goals, and is reportedly eager to link up with Enzo Maresca’s side.
If the transfer goes through, Simons will step into a competitive environment on the wings, where Chelsea already boast talents like Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and academy prospect Tyrique George.
The Blues have also added Jamie Gittens and promising youngster Estevao this summer, reinforcing their forward options further.
Chelsea Eye Manchester United Starlet Alejandro Garnacho
Chelsea aren’t stopping with Simons. The club is reportedly pursuing Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho, who has been told to find a new club by Ruben Amorim.
Personal terms are said to be agreed, but the two clubs are yet to settle on a valuation. Chelsea may need to offload players before meeting United’s £60 million price tag.
Todd Boehly and the Chelsea hierarchy are reportedly working to trim the squad, with up to nine players potentially leaving before the early September transfer window closes.
Players likely to depart include Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Renato Veiga, Alex Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Tyrique George, and Raheem Sterling.
Raheem Sterling Contract Complicates Exit
Sterling, coming off a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal, is said to favor a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.
However, his £325,000-a-week contract is proving a stumbling block for prospective buyers.
London-based clubs Fulham, Crystal Palace, and West Ham have expressed interest, with Sterling reportedly leaning toward staying in the capital.
Chelsea’s Season Kicks Off With Draw Against Palace
Chelsea started their Premier League campaign with a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace.
A first-half free-kick from Eberechi Eze was disallowed by VAR, keeping the scoreline goalless.
After the match, Maresca admitted his side lacked sharpness.
“We could have counter-attacked better, we could have defended better, but it is only the first game of the season.
Slowly, slowly, we’re going to be better. They played about eight games in pre-season, we played just two.
We tried our best. We didn’t lose a clean sheet.”
Up Next for Chelsea: London Derby Against West Ham
Chelsea will head east to face West Ham in a London derby on Friday evening, aiming to secure their first win of the season.
With potential new signings like Simons and Garnacho on the horizon, the squad could look very different by then, keeping fans eagerly watching every development.
