It feels like Chelsea fans have been waiting all summer for Xavi Simons to join them from RB Leipzig. Therefore, it’s worrying to hear a potential late twist in the transfer story.
Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, 22, has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea during the summer transfer window.
Back in July, Chelsea identified Simons as a transfer target, with the player keen on securing a move to Stamford Bridge. Earlier this week, reports claimed that Chelsea and Leipzig have agreed the Simons deal, but everyone is still waiting for some official confirmation.
The Netherlands international has been so strongly linked with a move to West London that it would be crushing if it fell through now.
Xavi Simons celebrates scoring for the Netherlands against Malta in a World Cup qualifier.
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Chelsea face late competition for Xavi Simons
Journalist Simon Phillips reported via Substack on Thursday evening that an unnamed club have entered the race to sign Simons.
He claims that the fresh interest could “complicate things” or it may “speed Chelsea up” to conclude the transfer.
Phillips reiterates that Simons has already agreed personal terms with Enzo Maresca’s side and has been waiting for the move to happen this summer.
Blues head coach Maresca sold the project perfectly to Simons after discussions with him, so now we wait to see if they will be working together in the new season.
Xavi Simons playing for RB Leipzig against VfB Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Potential Chelsea front four with Xavi Simons
If Simons joins Chelsea, they could be blessed with such an array of attacking talent to choose from.
On top of that, Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, 21, is linked with a move to West London. In fact, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims via X that Garnacho has agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
🚨🔵 Understand Alejandro Garnacho has agreed every detail of personal terms with Chelsea!
Deal done on player side, he only wants Chelsea as revealed here since July.
Talks with Man United about fee will follow soon.#CFC pursue both Garnacho and Xavi Simons, as revealed. pic.twitter.com/gfrtdOONCm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2025
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Maresca could have quite a job on his hands trying to select Chelsea’s front four in the upcoming season. We’ve listed below a few potential combinations, including Simons.
Right wing No.10 Left wing Striker
Cole Palmer Xavi Simons Pedro Neto Joao Pedro
Right wing No.10 Left wing Striker
Pedro Neto Cole Palmer Xavi Simons Joao Pedro
Right wing No.10 Left wing Striker
Cole Palmer Xavi Simons Joao Pedro Liam Delap
During his club and international career, Simons has proven he’s a creative attacker who can shine in central or wide areas, which is why he would be such an exciting addition to Chelsea’s ranks. Incidentally, Simons mainly played on left wing for Leizpig during the 2024/25 season.