Huge Xavi Simons to Chelsea transfer development as Enzo Maresca ponders summer exits

Xavi Simons' representatives have reportedly jetted off to RB Leipzig's pre-season training camp in a bid to push through the Dutchman's proposed move to Chelsea.

The Blues have earmarked the 22-year-old attacking midfielder as a key target and are hoping to exploit their strong ties with his agent, Ali Barat, to seal the deal. Chelsea are aware of interest from both Bayern Munich and Arsenal in Simons, but they remain confident that they have already won over the player after outlining their plans for him, including how he would fit into Enzo Maresca's squad.

The reigning Club World Cup champions have also initiated talks with RB Leipzig, who have slapped a £60million price tag on Simons, and are now awaiting Chelsea's formal offer.

According to the Mirror, Simons' brother Faustino, who acts as one of the Dutch international's advisors, has travelled to Leipzig's training camp in Donaueschingen, Germany, along with a representative from Barat's agency, Epic Sports, to speed up proceedings. Simons has been training as usual with his teammates throughout the week, but it remains to be seen whether he will feature in Saturday's friendly against Toulouse, as it becomes increasingly apparent that his exit is imminent.

Talks are ongoing with Ajax for Jorrel Hato, though an initial verbal offer has been rejected by the Dutch heavyweights. Hato's absence from Ajax's 5-1 friendly thrashing of Celtic was pre-planned, according to new manager Johnny Heitinga, due to the young defender's late return from U21 Euros duty.

However, sources in the Netherlands suggest his participation in Sunday's match against Como is uncertain, as Chelsea have reportedly turned his head. There's a sense of optimism that a deal will be finalised, as the 19-year-old is keen on the move.

In other news, Chelsea are looking to free up squad space for potential newcomers - Juventus' Kenan Yildiz and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho are still on the radar - with Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson among those who could make high-profile exits. Benfica are currently negotiating with the Blues over a potential deal for former player Felix, whom they sold to Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a staggering £113million.

Chelsea are essentially aiming to recover the £45million they paid Atletico for the Portuguese forward last summer, but Benfica can't meet that valuation. So far, Benfica have suggested paying just over £20million for 50 per cent of the forward's rights, which would include a significant sell-on clause of up to 50 per cent.

Negotiations with renowned agent Jorge Mendes are ongoing to facilitate the deal, as Felix has expressed his desire to return to Lisbon, though the operation appears complex. Other potential arrangements and unconventional clauses have been discussed, including Benfica potentially paying Chelsea a percentage if they decline any future offers for the forward.

Felix has been training at Cobham for the past fortnight after being left out of Chelsea's Club World Cup squad following his six-month loan stint at AC Milan. However, his future is set to be away from Stamford Bridge after new signing Dario Essugo took his No.14 shirt upon joining from Sporting CP.

Napoli have recently been given the opportunity to sign Raheem Sterling, who is held in high regard by Antonio Conte. However, any deal would mean the England international accepting a significant wage reduction, and the Italian champions also have other wide options shortlisted ahead of the 30-year-old. Chelsea prefer a permanent sale and value Sterling at around £20million, but Napoli are more likely to consider a loan which would require the Blues to contribute towards his wages.

Renato Veiga remains on the potential departure list after Atletico Madrid withdrew their interest; two unnamed Premier League clubs have made enquiries while Bayern Munich continue to keep tabs on his situation. While Chelsea are not actively seeking to offload striker Jackson, they would likely entertain suitable offers. They value the Senegal international at around £100million and would use Liverpool's deal for Hugo Ekitike as a benchmark during any potential negotiations.

Fulham have recently shown interest in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The Cottagers are open to an initial loan with a buy-option. West Ham also have their eyes on the former Leicester maestro, who could stay put at Chelsea as he is a valued member of Maresca's squad.

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