Overview

• Chelsea and RB Leipzig are in advanced club-to-club and personal terms negotiations for Xavi Simons with both sides optimistic about a deal.
• Leipzig insist on a €70m total package, including add-ons influenced by PSG sell-on structures that affect Chelsea’s net outlay.
• Simons’ brother Faustino and an Epic Sports representative have joined Leipzig’s pre-season camp to accelerate the transfer before the window closes.
• Chelsea are pushing ahead of Bayern Munich and Arsenal in the race for the 22-year-old midfielder after his 11-goal, eight-assist season.
• Simons’ tactical versatility fits Enzo Maresca’s plans to deepen Chelsea’s attacking options for a congested Premier League and Champions League campaign.