Xavi Simons shares new RB Leipzig message as Chelsea transfer talks advance

Xavi Simons appears destined to become a new Chelsea player ahead of the 2025/26 season as transfer talks with RB Leipzig continue to progress. With the former Paris Saint-Germain star open to joining, football.london understands that the Blues are preparing an opening offer for Simons.

Having sold Noni Madueke to Arsenal and agreed a deal with Al-Nassr for Joao Felix, Enzo Maresca is in search of attacking signings even after welcoming Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens to the club.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and Lyon's Malick Fofana have been considered, but the focus is now on Simons. Alongside discussions with the German club, Chelsea are also in talks with Ajax for talented defender Jorrel Hato.

The Athletic have recently claimed that Chelsea are getting closer to a deal for the 19-year-old, with a compromise on a fee above £34.7million (€40m) expected. Unlike with the Gittens transfer, it seems that formal offers are not being submitted for Hato and that the two parties are loosely discussing financial terms.

That does not look to be the case for Simons, however, with a first bid expected soon and a broad agreement believed to be in place regarding personal terms. In the meantime, Simons has continued training with his Leipzig teammates.

The 22-year-old is rather active on social media and despite the transfer rumours, that has not stopped. Last week, he uploaded an image of him performing an impressive skill and he repeated that on Monday.

As seen via his Instagram story, Simons uploaded a picture of him pulling off a no-look pass with a cooking chef emoji added to the post.

He later posted two videos of himself and new Leipzig signing Johan Bakayoko playing table tennis. Judging by the latter's reaction to losing a point and Simons' passionate celebrations, which soon turned into a dance, it looked as though the Netherlands international won the match.

Unlike many other players that have already transferred clubs this summer and those expected to complete moves, which includes Hato, Simons has a particular advantage, as he has been in pre-season training for the last few weeks.

That likely means he will be fit and raring to go upon his expected arrival in west London, with the hope being that he and his fellow Dutchmen are Chelsea players in time for the club's friendly against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, August 8.

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