Chelsea are in advanced negotiations with RB Leipzig over the potential signing of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.
Softfootball understands that negotiations will continue into the weekend, with further updates expected soon as Chelsea looks to move swiftly to secure one of Europe's brightest young attackers.
Talks between the two clubs are progressing positively, though full agreement is yet to be reached. However, Softfootball gathers that there is optimism on all sides that an agreement can be reached, with discussions now focused on final details.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he reiterated on his X handle that Xavi Simons is getting closer to Chelsea.
He wrote on X as:
Simons, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain, is currently weighing his options after an impressive campaign in Germany. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder contributed 9 goals and 15 assists across competitions and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young playmakers in Europe.
Although his parent club, PSG, has a say in the deal, Chelsea are pushing hard to secure a permanent move and has been in direct talks with Leipzig over a transfer structure. Leipzig have the option to negotiate for Simons under their current loan arrangement, but PSG still retain ownership and will need to be involved in any final decision.
Crucially, Simons is understood to be attracted to the Chelsea project under Enzo Maresca. The Dutch international views the Premier League as the next step in his development and sees Stamford Bridge as an ideal environment to grow.
Personal terms between Chelsea and Simons are said to be at an advanced stage. Talks are underway, and while not yet complete, sources close to the negotiations suggest that there is mutual interest and a shared willingness to make the move happen.
Simons' future has been a subject of speculation since his breakthrough season at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23, which earned him a return to PSG. However, regular first-team football has remained his priority, and Chelsea now appears well-placed to land him ahead of rival suitors.