Chelsea Plans Xavi Simons Deal with RB Leipzig Amid Squad Overhaul

Chelsea is actively pursuing a transfer deal for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, with talks ongoing between the two clubs and a verbal agreement reached on personal terms for a six-year contract extending to 2031. Simons, who has expressed ambitions to play for a title contender in a top league, remains part of Leipzig's squad and is motivated as the transfer window approaches its close on September 1. RB Leipzig's sporting director Marcel Schäfer emphasized that the club will only sanction a transfer if the financial terms make economic sense, while Chelsea is preparing to offload several players, including Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, to facilitate new signings. Despite competition from Manchester City, Simons reportedly prioritizes a move to Chelsea, where manager Enzo Maresca seeks to strengthen the squad further after recent acquisitions. In parallel, Chelsea confirmed the permanent transfer of Renato Veiga to Villarreal, signaling ongoing squad adjustments ahead of the new season. The clubs expect to intensify negotiations following Leipzig's Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich, potentially finalizing the deal in the coming days.