Xavi Simons Wants Chelsea Transfer As RB Leipzig Director Admits No Deal Yet

Xavi Simons is pushing to join Chelsea before the transfer window closes, but RB Leipzig’s sporting director remains cautious, with the player’s future still unresolved.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Xavi has been strongly linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge ahead of the deadline in recent days, being identified as Chelsea’s primary target to improve their creative department. Caretaker manager Maresca refused to give any public assurance on the shifting of recruitment plans from Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt. However, assistant manager Javier Mascherano insisted they won’t go for players just to act as stockpilers of talent.

Xavi is still in limbo despite having numerous suitors, including Chelsea and Inter Miami in the MLS. Despite being eager to make the switch to SW6, Chelsea remain at loggerheads with Leipzig over a fee for the player. Reports suggest that RB Leipzig want between €65-70 million for Xavi, potentially rising to €80 million with add-ons according to sources.

RB Leipzig agreed a two-year loan deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Xavi just last summer, but with the uncertainty around the French midfielder’s future at Stamford Bridge, he has become available and is now eyeing a move. Xavi believes he could secure a move which will allow him to be tied to any club he joins for longer due to the length of a potential loan deal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea plot another major transfer swoop, targeting RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons. Chelsea are reportedly in advanced talks with RB Leipzig for his transfer as negotiations continue. AC Milan, Inter, and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the player. Xavi, while acknowledging Emre Can’s abilities on the ball, did not hide his apparent displeasure about the midfielder’s performance while speaking in a post-match interview. The playmaker found fault in the 28-year-old’s lack of strong physical presence and cooperative approach, and will look to reinforce these issues if he gets a move to west London.

Currently, Chelsea will have to begin their preparations without Xavi as they target three new arrivals before the window shuts.

WHAT NEXT?

Xavi remains committed to pushing through a move to England before the deadline, as he believes he’ll have a better chance of securing a permanent switch this time around with such compelling interest from England. If Chelsea are to pip Inter to his signature, they know they will have to finalise a fee with PSG. The Premier League giants have had a good start of the season, drawing with Crystal Palace their opener and having won against West Ham in their 2nd match of the season. Reports indicate that Simons has also made clear his desire to leave RB Leipzig this summer.

If the Blues are to make Xavi the highest paid transfer in the history of English football, they will certainly face competition.