(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Tue 19 August 2025 14:48, UK

Chelsea may not have to wait much longer before a deal for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons is completed.

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The Blues started the new Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, with Enzo Maresca handing out debuts to new signings.

Further arrivals seem likely at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea are closing in on Simons and Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Man United want to resolve Garnacho’s future, and despite Man City wanting to hijack a move for Simons, Chelsea looked to have won the race for the Dutchman.



Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

The Daily Mail [19 August], state that a deal for Simons will be completed after RB Leipzig’s opening Bundesliga match at Bayern Munich on Friday.

Personal terms have already been agreed between Simons and Chelsea, making a move seemingly imminent despite RB Leipzig yet to have received a bid from the West London club.

RB Leipzig have placed a £60million valuation on the 22-year-old, who only permanently joined the Bundesliga club in January following a loan spell from PSG.

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Simons would become Chelsea’s ninth summer signing, in a busy window for the club.

Maresca is close to signing Simons.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Football Insider Verdict

For all their attacking purchases this summer, Chelsea were unable to break down a stubborn Crystal Palace defence in their opening match of the season.

Simons can play deep in a number eight role, and against low blocks when Chelsea will see a lot of the ball, Maresca may opt for the Netherlands international over either Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo.

The expected arrival of Simons will also give Cole Palmer competition and support in the attacking midfield role.



Appearances33Goals11Assists8Simons’ 2024/25 stats in all competitions.

Maresca only made two attacking changes against Palace despite their need of a goal, perhaps suggesting the Italian requires more options.

Chelsea though have had a short pre-season due to the Club World Cup and will be expected to improve on their display against Palace and with West Ham up next the Blues have been presented with a perfect opportunity to claim their first three points of the season.

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