Xavi Simons to Chelsea transfer latest as RB Leipzig director fires Enzo Maresca clear message

Xavi Simons continues to be heavily linked with a move to Chelsea as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options. The Blues have forked out almost £250m on new players this summer, yet they've shown no sign of slowing down in the final weeks of the window.

The RB Leipzig maestro first emerged as a target for Chelsea shortly after the Club World Cup. The west Londoners have since prioritised the sales of those who are surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, raising funds for another addition or two.

Simons would provide competition for Jamie Gittens on the left wing and cover for Cole Palmer in a central role. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Simons and a potential transfer to Chelsea.

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Chelsea remain in talks with Leipzig

football.london understands that Chelsea are still in talks with the Bundesliga outfit over the complicated transfer of Simons. Earlier this month, there was still an expectation and confidence that the west Londoners would eventually secure the Netherlands international's signature.

While Leipzig have been working hard to replace Benjamin Sesko, signing Rômulo from Göztepe, Chelsea have been looking to offload a few players. It's understood that Manchester City made their own interest in Simons clear, casting doubt over a move to Stamford Bridge.

With Savinho facing an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium and Jack Grealish joining Everton on loan, the Dutchman emerged as a potential target. However, according to Fabrizio Romano on his , Pep Guardiola has turned his attention to Rodrygo.

Simons wants Chelsea transfer

According to ESPN UK, Simons has told Leipzig that he only wants to join Chelsea this summer, despite interest from Bayern Munich and Man City. The report claims that the Bundesliga outfit want €80m (£69m) for the playmaker after signing him from Paris Saint-Germain in January for an initial €50m (£43m).

Leipzig chief provides Simons update

Marcel Schäfer has provided an update on Simons' future this weekend. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany on Sunday afternoon, the Leipzig director said: "We make all our decisions based on sporting and economic considerations.

"If it works for everyone, then we have often allowed players to make a move in the past. Right now, that's not the case, and if nothing changes, Xavi will remain an RB Leipzig player."