Chelsea handed Xavi Simons 'setback' as transfer update emerges

Chelsea's hopes of signing Xavi Simons have reportedly been dealt a blow following a recent update.

The Blues have recently opened talks with the 22-year-old's representatives, with 'super agent' Ali Barat involved in the negotiations.

RB Leipzig’s failure to qualify for European competition next season appears to have given Chelsea the upper hand, with the player making his desire to join Stamford Bridge clear.

Sources have told football.london repeatedly that there is a genuine confidence a deal will eventually be reached and Simons will become a Chelsea player this summer.

However, a new report by The Sun has suggested that may not be as straight forward.

It's said that Chelsea have offered four players to Leipzig as part of the deal. One of those is Christopher Nkunku, who starred for the German club before his move to west London.

Other names reportedly under consideration include Tyrique George, Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka. However, none of those players are said to be of interest to Ole Werner's side.

Meanwhile, Simons has continued training with his RB Leipzig teammates.

The 22-year-old remains active on social media despite ongoing transfer speculation.

Last week, he shared a clip showcasing an impressive skill and followed it up with a similar post on Monday.

As shown on his Instagram story, Simons posted a picture of himself executing a no-look pass, accompanied by a chef’s hat emoji.

Simons, 22, previously played for PSV Eindhoven and Paris Saint-Germain before joining RB Leipzig - initially on loan, then permanently. He ended last season with 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga, but Leipzig narrowly missed out on European qualification, finishing seventh.

It’s been another summer of major changes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have spent over £200million on new signings, including big-money Bundesliga arrival Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, while also bringing in over £100m through player sales.

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