Chelsea are reportedly the favourites to sign RB Leipzig playmaker, Xavi Simons this summer over Eberechi Eze, and are leading the race ahead of Arsenal and Bayerrn Munich for the Netherlands international.
Softfootball understand sthat Simons has a £67 million price tag and in spite of the widespread interest from top clubs in Europe for his services, he is thought to be inclined towards joining the Blues.
According to Florian Plettenberg, who was commenting on his X handle, Chelsea are the frontrunner to sign Simons over Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
He said:
“Chelsea have a serious interest in #Xavi Simons. Understand talks between the club and the player’s camp already having started. No club-to-club talks yet. First, it needs to be checked whether an agreement can be reached between #CFC and the player.
“Chelsea are currently the most concrete option. Arsenal are monitoring the situation, Bayern are not concretely in the race so far, but Max Eberl is informed about everything. Xavi wants to leave Leipzig”.
If Chelsea could beat Arsenal and Liverpool to his signature, Simons would be a superb signing for the Blues and very possibly the missing piece in Enzo Maresca’s attacking trident.
He is right-footed but plays very effectively on the right wing, or can alternatively be used as the number 10 while Cole Palmer can be deployed higher up the pitch on the flanks, therefore maximising his output in the final third.
The Netherlands international has exceptional playmaking skills and can dribble between the lines very well. His ability to break the lines will be vital for Chelsea, especially now that they have an efficient as well as fast attack.
Simons also makes late runs into the box to latch onto crosses, thus contributing to 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season.
Chelsea will not mind spending £67 million on the 22-year-old, who also aligns perfectly with their sporting project given his age.
The Blues will be able to offer him a handsome wage as well, and that, coupled with a lengthy contract should put them in the driving seat to secure Simons’ signing sooner rather than later, ideally in time for matchday one of the Premier League.
Simons has just two years left on his contract and with no prospect of a contract extension in the offing, Simons’ departure is looking increasingly certain
