Chelsea Close in on Xavi Simons as Chukwuemeka Swap Talks Heat Up With Leipzig
Chelsea’s midfield revamp might be getting its most exciting twist yet, Xavi Simons is keen, Leipzig are listening, and Carney Chukwuemeka might just be the sweetener that gets this blockbuster swap over the line.
According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between Chelsea and Simons over personal terms are advancing fast. The Dutch starlet reportedly wants the move to Stamford Bridge. Sky Sport has even gone a step further, calling the deal “imminent.”
Simons In, Chukwuemeka Out?
Xavi Simons isn’t just another hyped youngster. The 21-year-old was electric last season, bagging 10 goals and 7 assists in just 25 Bundesliga games for RB Leipzig. After two stellar loan stints from PSG, the German club made his stay permanent in January 2025 for €50m.
Now? Leipzig might flip him for a neat profit, but only if the price is right. They reportedly want €70m, and Chelsea, being Chelsea, aren’t exactly ready to splash that in full without moving a few pieces around first.
That’s where Carney Chukwuemeka comes in.
The 21-year-old had a mixed loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season. Not exactly a star, but solid: 10 Bundesliga appearances, 3 in the Champions League, and 4 more in the Club World Cup. Leipzig see him as a potential midfield project, and his inclusion in a swap deal could help Chelsea trim down the cash they’d need to pay up front.
Chelsea’s Summer Rebuild Isn’t Slowing Down
With the ink barely dry on deals for Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens, Chelsea are clearly not done shopping. But unlike previous chaotic windows, this time there seems to be a strategy: clear out some fringe players, bring in young, high-ceiling talent, and trust Enzo Maresca to mold them into something watchable.
Simons: The Journey So Far
Let’s not forget, Simons was once a golden boy at La Masia before PSG swooped in at 16. He barely got a sniff in Paris (just 11 senior appearances), but a breakout year at PSV in 2022-23 where he dropped 22 goals in 48 games, reminded everyone of his potential. PSG triggered their buy-back clause, only to loan him to Leipzig and then sell him again this year. Classic PSG.
Now, Stamford Bridge could be his next playground.
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