Xavi Simons transfer timeline emerges as talks 'opened' for Chelsea defender

The new Premier League season may be underway, but the transfer window remains in full swing with just under two weeks to go until the deadline.

Chelsea have been active this summer, securing deals for Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens, among others, but further additions are still expected over the next week. Sales will also be key as the Blues look to balance the books after another window of heavy spending.

Enzo Maresca’s side began their Premier League campaign with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge last weekend, which was a clear indicator that there is still work to be done in the market to best equip the team for the season ahead.

Here, football.london takes a look at the latest news and rumours involving Chelsea.

Simons transfer timeline emerges

One name that has dominated headlines in recent weeks is RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, and while negotiations are ongoing, there are currently no reports of an agreement between the clubs.

However, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Simons is expected to complete a move to Chelsea after Leipzig’s Bundesliga opener against Bayern Munich on Friday. Leipzig begin their campaign away to the reigning champions later this week.

The report also notes that Leipzig already have an agreement in place with Liverpool ’s Harvey Elliott as a potential replacement for Simons, should he leave before the deadline.

football.london says: The fact Leipzig are closing in on a replacement is a promising sign for Chelsea. That said, an agreement with a player doesn’t always translate into an agreement with the selling club, especially when that club is Liverpool, who are known to drive a hard bargain. Still, despite the apparent lack of progress in recent weeks, all signs suggest a deal could yet be done in time.

Talks 'opened' for Chelsea defender

Among the Chelsea players linked with a departure this summer, Frenchman Axel Disasi is one of them. The centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and appears to be surplus to requirements under Maresca.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Bournemouth are in talks with Chelsea over a possible move. Club-to-club discussions have reportedly begun over a loan deal with an option to buy, while talks on the player side are also said to be underway.

Bournemouth are in need of defensive reinforcements this summer, having seen much of their backline picked apart by top European clubs. Real Madrid signed Dean Huijsen, Liverpool brought in Milos Kerkez, and Paris Saint-Germain secured Illia Zabarnyi.

football.london says: A move to Bournemouth could be a smart step for Disasi, particularly under a manager like Andoni Iraola, who has quickly built a reputation for developing players. For Chelsea, trimming the squad, whether that means cutting down the wage bill or facilitating permanent sales, is just as important in these final weeks as bringing new faces through the door.

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