**RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer has made it clear to Chelsea and other suitors that Xavi Simons won’t be allowed to leave the Bundesliga side on the cheap this summer.**
The Blues have been in talks with Leipzig about recruiting the Dutchman for several weeks without a breakthrough being found. Asked about the player’s situation, Schafer said two conditions need to be met before Simons is sold:
“A transfer will only happen if it makes sporting and financial sense. If that’s not the case, Xavi will be an RB Leipzig player next year as well.”
In terms of Simons’ asking price, it is believed that Leipzig are demanding around €70m (£60m) for the attacking midfielder.
The player wants to sign for Chelsea
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There have been reports linking Simons with the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich in recent days, but reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano claims the 22-year-old has prioritised a move to Stamford Bridge.
While there is still a chance that the forward will stay in Germany, many believe that Leipzig will ultimately cave in and allow him to go this summer, despite Schafer’s tough words.
Any move for Simons is contingent on sales
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The main reason why Chelsea haven’t paid the asking price is due to budgetary constraints. The Blues are hoping to raise significant funds from the departures of Christopher Nkunku and [**Nicolas Jackson**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-transfer-news-nicolas-jackson-manchester-united/).
Nkunku is believed to be attracting interest from Bayern, but so far, the German champions have not made an offer that has met the London club’s demands.
Jackson, meanwhile, is attracting plenty of interest from teams in England and Italy, but no one seems prepared to match his €80m (£69m) valuation at the moment.
With that being the case, the Simons saga may not be resolved until the final few days of the transfer window.
[**Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-first-team-squad/)