Chelsea’s aggressive pursuit of Europe’s best young talents is showing no signs of slowing down. The latest target? Dutch sensation Xavi Simons, currently at RB Leipzig. According to Sky Germany, Chelsea have officially informed Leipzig of their interest and are pushing to bring the 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Who is Xavi Simons?
Simons has emerged as one of the most electrifying young playmakers in Europe. A product of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, he broke out at PSV with an incredible tally of 22 goals and 11 assists in just 48 appearances. PSG exercised their buy-back clause, only to loan him straight to Leipzig, where he has continued his rise with 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 games.
Equally comfortable as a No.10 or cutting in from the left wing, Simons combines blistering pace, technical finesse, and creativity traits that would suit Chelsea’s attacking blueprint under Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea are reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with Simons, and Fabrizio Romano claims a fee of around £65 million will be needed to seal the move.
Why Chelsea Want Him
Simons would bring even more depth and explosiveness to a Chelsea side already brimming with young attacking talent. With the likes of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Nicolas Jackson, and new arrivals like Estêvão Willian and Joao Pedro, Chelsea are building a squad stacked with potential and flair.
The Potential Swap: Chukwuemeka to Leipzig?
To make the deal more financially viable, Chelsea may be willing to include Carney Chukwuemeka as part of the transfer. The 20-year-old, once regarded as a top prospect at Aston Villa, joined Chelsea in 2022 for £20 million but has struggled for regular playing time amid intense competition and managerial changes.
Chukwuemeka recently spent time on loan at Borussia Dortmund, even featuring in the Club World Cup. Despite glimpses of promise, Chelsea have reportedly decided to move on from the midfielder, making him an appealing target for Leipzig, who are already preparing for life without Simons.
A Win-Win Formula?
The proposed structure of the deal could see Chukwuemeka included to lower the cash fee to around £50 million, allowing Leipzig to recoup profit and add a talented young replacement to their ranks. It also provides Chelsea a smoother route to secure their primary attacking target of the summer.
With all the ingredients for a dramatic summer switch rising stars, a creative swap deal, and mutual needs this is one of the most exciting transfer sagas to watch.