Chelsea’s summer rebuild shows no sign of slowing. Three new forwards have already arrived, yet Enzo Maresca still seeks a player who can operate both on the right flank and in the central creative role.
Initial interest centred on Eberechi Eze, with talks held with the Crystal Palace star’s camp. But that pursuit has cooled, and attention has now shifted to RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Journalist Simon Phillips reports that Chelsea are out in front in the race, ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool, to land the former PSG talent.
Simons carries a £67 million valuation, but despite strong competition for his signature, he is believed to favour a move to Stamford Bridge. For Maresca, it could be the signing that unlocks his attacking vision.
A right-footer by trade, Simons is equally dangerous when drifting into central spaces as a No. 10. His presence would allow Cole Palmer to be pushed wider or higher.
The 22-year-old thrives on threading passes through defensive lines and weaving past challenges, traits that could prove decisive for a Chelsea side built on speed and precision in transition. His knack for arriving late in the box adds another dimension—last season he produced 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
For a club investing in youth with immediate impact, Simons is an ideal fit. The Blues are ready to match his valuation and offer a lucrative wage with a long-term deal.
If negotiations proceed smoothly, Chelsea aim to have him in place before the Premier League curtain-raiser.