(Credit: Imago)

Ben Palmer

Wed 6 August 2025 8:30, UK

Harvey Elliott’s exit from Liverpool may inadvertently provide a springboard for Chelsea to strengthen their squad even further.

Chelsea take big step towards Xavi Simons signing as RB Leipzig 'open talks' for replacement	Bundesliga club starts transfer talk with Liverpool star to replace Xavi Simmons	Liverpool 'in talks with Bundesliga club over Harvey Elliott transfer' - with Reds midfielder lined-up to replace Premier League bound star

Dutch winger Xavi Simons has been an enticing prospect for several of Europe’s major clubs this summer.

Both Man United and Man City were keen on a move for Simons, but the two Manchester clubs have since signed alternative options in the wide attacking areas.

The former PSG man has an asking price of “at least €70million (£61m)” according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, making him an expensive addition.

Arsenal were also interested in Simons, Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider exclusively, but their signing of Noni Madueke ruled them out of the race for the 22-year-old.

However, Chelsea have been unafraid to splash the cash this summer, and although RB Leipzig have been keen to keep their Dutch star this summer, they appear to already be in talks with his replacement to give the power brokers at Anfield a potential hand in the transfer plan at Stamford Bridge.

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The Athletic reports that Leipzig have approached Liverpool over the potential signing of Elliott.

The star of England Under-21’s European Championship-winning side this summer has been expected to leave the Premier League champions.

Harvey Elliott’s career stats with Liverpool.

(Credit: Imago)

Elliott appeared just 18 times in the league last term, starting twice as Arne Slot showed a preference for other players, such as Dominik Szoboszlai, in the number 10 position.

The report also states that “Leipzig believe the 22-year-old would be a direct replacement for Xavi Simons, who could leave the German club in the closing weeks of the transfer window”.

While likely not the only possibility to replace the outgoing Simons it does raise the prospect of Elliott and the Reds helping a resurgent rival formulate their squad.

Liverpool were somewhat surprising champions last season under Slot and will be in the sites of all rivals automatically, but Chelsea finished the season on a high with two trophies and will enter the new campaign with renewed confidence to challenge.

Chelsea have held talks with Simons over a move to Stamford Bridge, as the Dutchman looks set to leave Leipzig this summer.

The former Barcelona youth teamer only joined the German outfit permanently in January, although he has been with the club since 2023 on loan.

Simons informed Leipzig of his desire to leave this summer due to the club’s failure to qualify for European football.

The Blues qualified for the Champions League last season and need more options at number 10 and out wide on the left, two positions that the young Dutchman excels at, and with his club making an approach for his potential replacement it seems only a matter of time before Simons finds himself West London-bound.

Few Chelsea fans would have expected anyone in the Liverpool squad to giving them anything like a helping hand but England Under-21 star Elliott looks like he might be about to do so.
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