Simons deal in danger! Leipzig refusing to take Chelsea outcasts

 

Chelsea’s hopes of signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig have hit a major setback. The German club is not interested in a swap deal and is holding firm on a £60 million cash-only valuation. Chelsea had proposed offering players such as Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka as part of the deal to reduce the fee, but Leipzig outright rejected those options. Talks remain ongoing, and agent Ali Barat, who has strong ties with Chelsea, is reportedly trying to keep the deal alive behind the scenes.

RB Leipzig signed Simons permanently from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year after a successful loan spell. The player is now looking to leave the club due to their failure to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. Chelsea sees Simons as a top target this summer and remains determined to bring him in, especially as they continue reshaping their squad under the current project.

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The situation remains fluid, and Chelsea may need to raise funds quickly to submit an improved offer. The Blues have already sent players like Kendry Paez, Mike Penders, and Marc Guiu out on loan, partially to free up space and balance the wage bill. Whether Chelsea will return with a straight cash offer or look at alternative targets is yet to be seen. Leipzig, for now, is not backing down from their valuation.

RB Leipzig are standing their ground regarding the future of Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons. The Bundesliga side is demanding a full £60 million fee for the player and is unwilling to consider any kind of player swap arrangement, including offers that include Chelsea outcasts. Despite Chelsea’s interest and pressure to reach a deal, Leipzig is prioritizing financial value over player exchanges.

Simons was bought for a club-record fee of £43 million, and add-ons could push the total cost to £70 million. Given the scale of that investment, Leipzig’s firm asking price is aligned with their desire to get proper value from a potential transfer. The 21-year-old’s desire to leave after the club missed out on Champions League football has only added urgency to the situation.

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Chelsea’s transfer team, however, is still actively pursuing Simons, seeing him as a key piece for the squad's attacking creativity and future growth. Agent Ali Barat is working behind the scenes to find a solution, though it is becoming increasingly clear that a cash-only deal is the only way forward. The London club might now need to consider selling fringe players or raising funds through other means to fund the move.

While Simons remains a priority, Chelsea may also start considering backup midfield options if no progress is made soon. The club still has time in the transfer window, and depending on how other moves play out, they could return with a better cash offer to unlock the deal. Until then, Leipzig’s position is firm, and Chelsea’s interest remains active but unresolved.