Chelsea weigh up move for Leipzig’s Xavi Simons | OneFootball

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a move for Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, following another impressive season in the Bundesliga that has solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past few years, and his latest campaign at RB Leipzig, where he registered 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions, has only added to the growing interest from top European clubs.

Simons joined Leipzig permanently from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, having initially spent the previous season on loan. Since arriving in Germany, he has tallied 18 goals and 27 assists across two Bundesliga campaigns, with his performances placing him firmly on the radar of Premier League scouts - including those at Chelsea.

The Blues are understood to be admirers of Simons’ profile: a technically gifted, positionally flexible midfielder who thrives between the lines and contributes consistently in the final third. At Leipzig, he led the team for chances created (60) and assists (8) last season, while only Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko scored more goals.

Simons’ breakthrough came during a stunning campaign at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23, where he finished as the Eredivisie's joint top scorer with 19 goals. PSG exercised their buy-back clause that summer, only to sanction a move to Leipzig soon after - one that’s proven fruitful for the German side, if not yet lucrative.

Despite Simons’ contributions, Leipzig fell short of Champions League qualification this season, finishing seventh in the Bundesliga - a factor that could weaken their hand in any potential negotiations and potentially lower their valuation of the player.

On the international stage, Simons has already earned 28 caps for the Netherlands, having debuted at the 2022 World Cup under Louis van Gaal. His rapid progression and versatility make him an appealing fit for a Chelsea side looking to inject creativity and intelligence into their attack.

With the club continuing to reshape under a youthful and ambitious project, Simons could be seen as an ideal long-term piece.