Chelsea get dream Xavi Simons scenario as Enzo Maresca eyes discount on perfect £56m transfer

Chelsea have been given a huge boost to their hopes of signing Xavi Simon this summer. The RB Leipzig maestro has recently emerged as a target for the Blues as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options.

football.london understands that Chelsea are in talks with Simons' representatives over a possible switch to Stamford Bridge. The west Londoners have been one of several clubs monitoring his situation as they weigh up their options.

Ali Barat, the agent who facilitated Noni Madueke's recent transfer to Arsenal, has been drafted in to assist the recruitment team at Stamford Bridge. It's said that Leipzig are open to selling the Netherlands international, who could be available for €65m (£56m).

READ MORE: Chelsea make major Jorrel Hato transfer decision as Xavi Simons dream revealed

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca has two-day period to conduct Chelsea experiment with Xavi Simons and Joao Pedro

Chelsea are eager to negotiate the price tag while they look to raise funds from player sales. football.london also understands that personal terms are expected to be a formality, with Simons keen on a switch.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not the Blues will submit an official bid for the Dutchman. However, Chelsea can draw great confidence from the German outfit's latest activity in the transfer market.

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig are pushing to sign Carney Chukwuemeka from the west Londoners. The report claims that Ole Werner's side have opened talks with the 21-year-old midfielder ahead of a potential move.

It's said that Leipzig are aware Chelsea want to sign Simons, and they're prepared to do business. Plettenberg adds that the Blues are close to agreeing personal terms with the playmaker, who sees his contract at the Red Bull Arena expire in June 2027.

With Leipzig after Chukwuemeka, Chelsea could engineer a player-plus-cash swap deal and essentially get a significant discount on Simons. Even if the Blues midfielder was to only leave on loan, the act of goodwill will help to build a strong relationship between the two clubs.

Speaking to the Bundesliga website in February 2025, Simons described his play-style. He said: "I try to bring something extra to the team and a little more joy. Of course, I love that the fans love me, and I hope to give them more of the love they deserve."

Simons added: "My big brother always said to me, ‘Xavi, you have to enjoy yourself – even on the biggest stage, you have to keep playing like you're on the playground when you were younger.’ I try to remember that and enjoy playing as much as possible because, yeah, this is my life. This is what I love. It's nice."

On the role his family plays, Simons said: "They are the most important people in my life – especially my mum, my brother, and my little sister. They are always there for me, not only in the good times but also in the bad.

"I owe who I am today to them, and I love them. I'm really proud that they are with me..."