Xavi Simons to Chelsea transfer latest - Arsenal decision, £60.5m fee, Enzo Maresca issue

RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons is attracting significant transfer interest from the Premier League with the expectation being he will depart Germany ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Dutchmen has emerged as a Chelsea target for the remaining weeks of the summer window, football.london understands.

The 22-year-old has represented three different top European teams in the last four years and he only joined his current club on a permanent basis from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year following a successful 18-month loan spell at Leipzig.

Despite contributing to 17 goals last season in the Bundesliga, Leipzig did not finish in a European qualification place which looks to be the main reason behind Simons wanting to seal an exit. Given his availability, other clubs are interested and that could help Leipzig increase his asking price.

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With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest rumours surrounding Simons and other updates that may impact his future.

Price tag

After claiming a deal is "expected to develop soon" after Simons made it clear that he wanted to leave in May, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Netherlands international will be able to leave for under £60.5m this summer.

He also added that Chelsea and Arsenal remain interested alongside Bayern Munich.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano went into further detail about Chelsea's ongoing interest, adding: “Xavi Simons is a player Chelsea really like and appreciate internally."

Back in April, Simons opened up on his future amid interest from the Premier League.

Arsenal decision

Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal are believed to also be interested in a move for Simons. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has described both clubs as being 'attentive to the situation'.

Arsenal look set to spend just under £200million on six new signings with a marquee sale likely required if they are to make a move for Simons. Chelsea meanwhile, have seen their big departure already completed with Madueke, who could actually play a role in Simons' transfer, joining the Gunners as one of their four confirmed additions.

As such, it seems as though Chelsea may hold the advantage especially as Arsenal are also monitoring Rodrygo and Eberechi Eze. The Blues have alternatives of their own however, with contact made for Malick Fofana and a long-term interest in Alejandro Garnacho.

£80m dilemma

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is arguably Chelsea's dream signing for the latter stages of the window. Though Unai Emery's side are in a difficult financial situation, having missed out on Champions League football, it does not look as though they are open to selling Rogers at a discounted price.

However, it is understood that an offer in the region of £80million would at least be considered with the Blues as enormous admirers of the 22-year-old England attacker. Simons meanwhile, could be available for €80million (£69.3million)per reports in Germany which presents somewhat of a dilemma over which target to formally pursue.

Maresca issue

The only slight issue with signing someone like Simons or Rogers is that it is unclear where they would fit. Both are able to play out wide but prefer being deployed centrally behind the striker.

That remit can also be applied to Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, two players that have seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements. Given his ability, Maresca will likely find a role for him, but it could come at some cost elsewhere.

Simons on future

Simons was particularly open about his future earlier this year when asked if he could leave Leipzig in the near future.

He said: "I'm still a young player, I have many dreams and the club knows that. But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games."