What Xavi Simons did for RB Leipzig in Chelsea transfer message amid major £43.7m boost

Xavi Simons starred for RB Leipzig in their 7-0 win over Toulouse on Saturday, with the Chelsea transfer target recording two assists for the German side in the pre-season friendly.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a big target for the Blues, who entered club-to-club talks with Leipzig on Wednesday with an agreement over a fee for the Netherlands international the topic of conversation. Negotiations with Simons' representatives started earlier in the week, with 'super agent' Ali Barat front and centre of negotiations.

A broad agreement over personal terms was reached within the space of 48 hours. Simons made it clear he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge. Leipzig are willing to sell the Dutchman, though they will only do so for the right price. Chelsea and Leipzig are hoping to reach an agreement in the coming days to speed the process up.

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With all the speculation and talk over his future, Simons had to put that aside for the time being as Leipzig went head-to-head with Toulouse in their second pre-season friendly of the summer. Early on in the game, Simons showed his class in the final third. He performed a one-two with new Leipzig signing Johan Bakayoko on the edge of the box, with Simons setting the winger up with a backheel flick. Bakayoko, however, skied it on his left foot.

Simons did have his assist later in the first half, though, with his delivery from a corner being headed in by Chad Bitshiabu. The Netherlands attacker then played a big part in the fourth goal of the game, with Bakayoko scoring after Lois Openda's shot was blocked, with Simons the one setting the latter up.

Openda scored his second five minutes later with Simons providing another assist. Simons was showing off his dribbling ability at the edge of the box before smartly laying the ball to Openda, who fired low and hard off the post for Leipzig's fifth goal. As is so often the case in pre-season friendlies, Leipzig made 11 changes for the second half, meaning Simons got himself a handy 45 minutes as he looks to return to full fitness.

Chelsea will be hoping next week will be a big one in their pursuit of Simons. Sources told football.london this weekend that negotiations are progressing well, although an agreement has not yet been reached. There is, however, a confidence from all sides that Simons will eventually complete a move to west London.

The Blues will also be boosted by the imminent departure of Joao Felix. Al-Nassr are closing in on a permanent move for the 25-year-old Portugal international, with the west Londoners understood to be receiving a fee in the region of €50million (£43.7million). Chelsea have always preferred to sell before buying again this summer and the exit of Felix could speed things up in their pursuit of Simons.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking to bring another Dutchman to the club as well. The Blues remain locked in talks with Ajax over a deal for defender Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old is understood to have already told the Dutch club of his desire to leave and move to Chelsea, but an agreement over a transfer fee is yet to be reached.