2 weeks ago
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Chelsea could receive a transfer boost from former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, as the London team edges closer to signing Xavi Simons.
The gifted forward currently plays for RB Leipzig, where Klopp serves as the head of football operations for the Red Bull Group. Chelsea has been active in the transfer market this summer, securing several stars, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens.
The Blues have also profited from the sales of Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic, with Joao Pedro expected to join them once his £43.7 million ($58.6 million) move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr is finalized.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea is now deep in negotiations with Leipzig over a deal for Simons.
Talks between the two clubs are said to be progressing smoothly and moving in a favorable direction, although there's still work to be done.
Simons, who netted 10 goals and provided seven assists in 25 Bundesliga matches last season, is reportedly enthusiastic about the Chelsea project, with discussions regarding personal terms also nearing completion.
Simons made the switch to Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain on a full-time basis in January after an 18-month loan stint at the Red Bull Arena.
The 22-year-old honed his skills in the Barcelona academy and has already earned 28 caps for the Netherlands.
He was a pivotal figure for his nation at Euro 2024, even finding the back of the net during the Netherlands' 2-1 loss to England in the tournament's semifinals. He also represented the Dutch squad at the 2022 World Cup.
Leipzig is reportedly demanding a transfer fee of £60 million ($80.5 million) for Simons' departure, with Chelsea demonstrating its readiness to spend big since a consortium led by Todd Boehly took over the club in May 2022.
Chelsea will make a comeback to the Champions League next season after securing fourth place in the Premier League last term.
The Blues kicked off the 2024/25 season in spectacular fashion but fell out of the title race post-Christmas, as Liverpool clinched the trophy.
In his inaugural year at the helm, Maresca has guided his team to a double trophy victory, with the London side triumphing in the UEFA Conference League last season and lifting the revamped Club World Cup earlier this month.
The Blues will kick off their new Premier League campaign by welcoming Crystal Palace in mid-August, before heading to West Ham for their first away fixture six days later.
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