Chelsea are accelerating their move for Xavi Simons as the club looks to steal a march on rivals in the race for one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders, sources have informed Softfootball.
The London side is reportedly “advancing” in talks and wants to move quickly to finalise a deal for the Dutch international, who is currently weighing up his future with Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Fabrizio Romano, it was reported via his X handle that Chelsea is set to sign Xavi Simons.
He wrote:
“Understand Chelsea are advancing in talks with Xavi Simons on personal terms!
“Xavi, keen on the move and open to joining Chelsea… direct talks in progress to agree contract details and terms.
“Chelsea want to be fast ahead of club to club talks with Leipzig.”
Simons, 21, returned to PSG last summer after a standout year at PSV, but spent the 2024/25 season on loan at RB Leipzig, where he once again impressed across domestic and European competitions.
According to information gathered by Softfootball, Chelsea have made their interest concrete in recent days, with club officials pushing to reach an agreement with both PSG and the player’s camp.
The Blues believe that speed is essential if they are to beat out other suitors, including Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, who would like to retain the midfielder for another season.
Simons is seen as a key piece in Enzo Maresca’s tactical rebuild, with Chelsea targeting versatile, technically gifted players who can thrive in possession-heavy systems, as the Blues seem to be frontrunners in landing the player, as earlier reported by Softfootball.
The Dutchman, who can operate as a No. 10, wide forward, or deeper playmaker, would bring vision, flair, and a relentless work rate to Chelsea’s evolving midfield unit.
Sources suggest PSG are open to allowing Simons to leave, likely on loan with a buy option or a structured permanent deal as the Ligue 1 champions balance their squad following Kylian Mbappé’s departure.
Simons himself is said to be open to a Premier League switch but wants guarantees over his role, development path, and European involvement.
