Xavi Simons to Chelsea Gathering Momentum as Opening Bid Nears
Chelsea are accelerating talks to sign Xavi Simons ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Dutch star reportedly open to the move.
The Blues are preparing their first formal offer to RB Leipzig, where Simons has spent the last season on loan. Personal terms are already broadly agreed, making this one of Chelsea’s most advanced attacking pursuits.
After selling Noni Madueke to Arsenal and finalizing Joao Felix’s exit to Al-Nassr, Enzo Maresca is keen to bolster his forward options. While names like Alejandro Garnacho and Malick Fofana have been floated, Simons is now the main focus.
In parallel, Chelsea are also engaged in discussions with Ajax over 19-year-old centre-back Jorrel Hato. The Athletic reports that a compromise on a fee just over £34.7m (€40m) is likely, though no formal bid has been submitted yet.
Simons, meanwhile, continues training with Leipzig amid the speculation. He recently posted a no-look pass during a session to his Instagram story — a small sign that the confidence and flair Chelsea crave are very much intact.

With momentum building, it seems only a matter of time before Chelsea launch their opening bid.
In his latest social media activity, Simons shared two videos of himself playing table tennis with new Leipzig teammate Johan Bakayoko. Simons’ energy was on full display, celebrating points passionately and even breaking into a dance — clear signs of a confident player in top spirits.
While many summer signings are still easing into pre-season or waiting on final moves, Simons holds a unique advantage. He’s already several weeks into training with Leipzig, meaning he could arrive in west London fully fit and match-sharp.
Chelsea are hoping to finalize deals for both Simons and fellow Dutch talent Jorrel Hato ahead of their friendly against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, August 8 — a fixture that could give fans a first glimpse of what’s to come.
Xavi Simons to Chelsea Gathering Momentum as Opening Bid Nears