Arsenal Also Keen
The summer transfer window continues to deliver high-stakes drama, with Dutch sensation Xavi Simons emerging as a prime target for Premier League giants Chelsea. Reports indicate that the highly-coveted attacking midfielder has given the “green light” to a potential move to Stamford Bridge, with direct contacts already taking place between Chelsea and his agents. While Chelsea prepares for club-to-club talks with RB Leipzig, the deal’s progression heavily hinges on significant outgoings from the Blues’ squad.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Arsenal also remains “very keen” on Simons, though their immediate priorities lie with securing Viktor Gyökeres and offloading several players. This sets the stage for a compelling battle for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
Xavi Simons: A Rising Star’s Journey and Impact
Xavi Simons, 22, has rapidly ascended to become one of European football’s most sought-after attacking midfielders. A product of the famed La Masia and Paris Saint-Germain academies, Simons truly exploded onto the scene during his time at PSV Eindhoven before impressing further on loan at RB Leipzig.
Key Statistics and Playing Style (RB Leipzig):
- Appearances: In 76 matches across all competitions for RB Leipzig, Simons has registered an impressive 21 goals and 23 assists.
- Bundesliga (2024-25 Season): In 25 Bundesliga appearances, he scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists.
- Versatility: Simons is a versatile attacking midfielder capable of playing centrally, on the left wing, or even on the right. His key strengths include:
- Key Passes & Through Balls: Exceptional vision and execution in breaking down defenses.
- Dribbling: Agile and skillful on the ball, capable of beating defenders in tight spaces.
- Long Shots: Poses a threat from outside the box.
- Work Rate: Contributes defensively and presses effectively.
Simons’ desire to leave RB Leipzig reportedly stems from the club’s failure to qualify for European competitions next season, making a move to a Champions League-contending club a priority for him.
Chelsea’s Pursuit: A Deal Dependent on Outgoings
Chelsea’s strong interest in Xavi Simons is clear, with direct contacts already established. The Blues view him as a significant addition to their attacking arsenal, especially after their recent Club World Cup triumph. However, securing Simons’ signature is intricately linked to a “ruthless clearout” of their current squad.
Players like Christopher Nkunku, João Félix, Raheem Sterling, and Nicolas Jackson are all reportedly on the list of potential departures. Chelsea’s strategy involves offloading high-earning or underperforming assets to free up significant wage bill space and generate transfer funds. This is crucial for complying with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and registering new signings for their upcoming Champions League campaign.
- Christopher Nkunku: Despite featuring in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, Nkunku is still expected to depart this summer after an injury-affected first season.
- João Félix: Having spent part of last season on loan at AC Milan, Félix is reportedly in talks for a permanent move to Benfica, with Chelsea keen to get his high wages off the books.
- Raheem Sterling: Sterling, who was on loan at Arsenal last season, is also among those Chelsea are looking to move on.
- Nicolas Jackson: While not as definitive as the others, Jackson’s future is also being assessed, with a potential exit opening up space for new attacking arrivals.
Chelsea is reportedly looking to negotiate a fee for Simons in the region of €65-70 million, potentially rising to €80 million with bonuses, though some reports suggest Leipzig might be open to offers as low as €50 million.
Arsenal’s Lingering Interest and Priorities
While Chelsea appears to be leading the race, Arsenal remains a keen admirer of Xavi Simons’ talent. The Gunners are reportedly “very keen” on adding another creative player to their squad. However, their immediate focus is firmly on other high-priority targets.
- Viktor Gyökeres: Arsenal’s main priority remains unlocking the deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, a saga that has seen complex negotiations.
- Outgoings: Similar to Chelsea, Arsenal also needs to manage their squad size and wage bill through player departures before making further significant additions.
This means that while Simons is on Arsenal’s radar, they may not be in a position to make a concrete move until their primary objectives are met.
The Road Ahead: A Summer Showdown
The coming days will be pivotal for Xavi Simons’ future. With personal terms reportedly agreed with Chelsea, the focus shifts to the club-to-club negotiations with RB Leipzig, which are set to begin on Tuesday. The success of Chelsea’s outgoing transfers will undoubtedly dictate their ability to finalize a deal for the Dutch international.
Should Chelsea secure Simons, it would represent a significant coup, adding a dynamic and creative force to their attack. If the deal falters due to outgoing struggles or Leipzig’s valuation, it could open the door further for Arsenal or other interested European clubs. The transfer market is known for its twists and turns, and the Xavi Simons saga is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing of the summer.
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