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Chelsea have pushed forward with a move for RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons as the west London club look to bolster their offensive options once again.
The Blues opened talks with the 22-year-old's representatives on Monday with Ali Barat, the agent who has been responsible for brokering multiple deals involving Chelsea in the past - including Noni Madueke's recent move to Arsenal - at the centre of negotiations. Reports from Germany claim Simons could be available for €65million (£56million) this summer with Leipzig open to selling the Netherlands international.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, football.london understands, with Simons said to be keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge. However, there are multiple other Premier League clubs understood to be keen on a move for Simons and they are keeping an eye on any developments between Chelsea and the Dutchman.
Chelsea are after a versatile attacker and Simons certainly fits that mould. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward is naturally a No.10 but can also be used on the left-hand side in attack. With this being said, football.london takes a look at three ways the Blues can set up with Simons in the side - should he sign this summer.
No.10 presents two issues
As mentioned above, Simons' most natural position is the No.10 role behind the striker, but that in itself presents an issue for the Dutchman. Chelsea have Cole Palmer, who was used behind the centre-forward for the majority of last season, and have also added Joao Pedro to their ranks this summer.
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It would see Simons discover the same issue as Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix have both found, though neither of those two were able to take their chances when given to them during the 2024/25 season. Simons will back himself to do just that, but he can also be used elsewhere in the attacking line as well.
Gittens rotation
Earlier this month, Chelsea completed the signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund as the Blues addressed their predicament on the left wing. Jadon Sancho departed after his loan move and it left the west Londoners very short on the left flank.
There is, however, no guarantee Gittens will go straight into the side come August 17 - Chelsea's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace - given the lack of pre-season and preparation for the England Under-21s international since arriving at the Blues. Simons is an option to alternate with Gittens, with the future of Tyrique George, who could move on loan, still up in the air.
Right wing wildcard
Simons has also been used, albeit very rarely, on the right wing, so there is an option there as well. Madueke has departed and it leaves Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian as the natural options on that flank. Similarly to Gittens in a way, there is no guarantee when it comes to how quickly 18-year-old Estevao will settle in at Stamford Bridge.
Neto will be hoping to bring his remarkable form from the FIFA Club World Cup into the 2025/26 campaign. Either way, one would imagine it will be the Portugal international who starts on the right when Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge next month, but there could be scope for Simons to be used there in the future as well. Chelsea will benefit from the Dutchman's versatility.
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