Xavi Simons sends Chelsea cryptic message as Enzo Maresca makes £56m transfer decision

Xavi Simons has sent Chelsea a cryptic message on social media. The RB Leipzig maestro has recently emerged as a target for the Blues as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options.

Simons, whose contract at the Red Bull Arena expires in June 2027, featured 25 times in the Bundesliga last season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists. Despite his best efforts, the German outfit finished seventh and failed to qualify for any of UEFA's three club competitions.

It's the first time Leipzig has placed outside of the top four in six years - not to mention the first time they missed out on Europe altogether since their promotion to the top-flight in 2016. With Ole Werner's side set to miss out on substantial TV money, they could be inclined to cash in on their prized assets this summer.

football.london understands that Chelsea have opened talks with Simons' representatives over a possible switch to Stamford Bridge. The Blues have been one of several clubs keeping a close eye on his situation as they weigh up their options.

Ali Barat, the agent who mediated the transfer of Noni Madueke to Arsenal, has been drafted in to facilitate that move for Simons. It's said that Leipzig are open to selling the Netherlands international, who could be available for €65m (£56m).

Chelsea are eager to whittle down the price tag while they look to raise funds from player sales. football.london also understands that personal terms are expected to be a formality, with Simons keen on a switch.

On Monday night, the Dutchman then uploaded a timely post to his Instagram story. Simons published a highlights package of his performance from Leipzig's 3-0 friendly win over ZFC Meuselwitz on Saturday.

Simons was directly involved in each of the German outfit's first-half strikes. The Chelsea target fashioned an opening for Yan Diomande, who marked his Leipzig debut with a goal, before then etching his name on to the scoresheet a few moments later.

Simons' cryptic activity on social media has only fuelled speculation that a move to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards. The Dutchman has often kept his cards close to his chest; back in March, he played down an exit from Leipzig.

Speaking to Bild, as quoted by Bulinews, he said: "Everyone has to improve - including me. But at the end of the day, we're all human. Not everything is perfect all the time. But we work hard to make the fans happy in the end.

"That's the process, and it's getting better. It's not about Xavi. It's about RB Leipzig. We have to solve things together - and we will. We still have nine games and are in the cup. We will continue to train hard for that."

A few weeks later, Stuttgart knocked Leipzig out of the DFB Pokal, winning 3-1 to reach the showpiece. In April, Simons provided another update on his future at the Red Bull Arena.

Speaking to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Simons 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."