Arsenal’s €55M-Rated Target Makes Chelsea Decision as PSG Stands to Benefit | OneFootball

Chelsea appear to be leading the race to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich still in the mix for the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Leipzig paid €80 million for Simons, €55 million of which was paid upfront. The 22-year-old is under contract through June 2027, and PSG secured a sell-on clause that gives them a cut of any future transfer fee.

That clause strategy has already paid off this summer. As reported by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, PSG earned €17 million (£15 million) from Hugo Ekitiké’s move to Liverpool due to a similar agreement.

Romano also reported that Chelsea are making strong progress in negotiations over personal terms. Simons is said to be open to the move and interested in joining the Premier League side, with talks ongoing.

Chelsea could be nearing deal for former PSG ace

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On Saturday, journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Simons formally told RB Leipzig that he wanted to join Chelsea. Moreover, he reveals that talks are expected to take a decisive turn in the coming days.

Tavolieri add that RB Leipzig confirmed the Dutchman’s departure several days ago. The club has since shifted its focus to a No. 8-No. 10 type who can play centrally, which rules out some of their earlier targets.

On Friday, Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk wrote in his latest column about the current situation regarding Simons.

“It’s all calmed down at the moment with Christopher Nkunku and Xavi Simons,” Falk wrote. “The latter is a very hot option for Chelsea. Nkunku is also not particularly high up on the list and will remain that way for as long as a decision is yet to be made on Woltemade.”

TalkSPORT recently revealed that Chelsea are preparing an opening bid for the 22-year-old, who is close to reaching an agreement on personal terms. Simons is still holding talks with other clubs, including Arsenal, who remain strongly interested