Chelsea’s transfer move drifting dangerously after latest team news points to potential collapse | OneFootball

Xavi Simons was back in RB Leipzig’s squad for yesterday’s game against AC Milan in Dublin, just days after being left out of their last friendly game as he appeared to close in on a move to Chelsea.

That previous absence is now being explained as having been due to a “neck problem,” but we all know the truth there.

Xavi Simons move drifting dangerously as Chelsea draw back

Xavi Simons warms up for RB Leipzig. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

This is a clear sign that, having looked like a done deal at one point, his move is now more doubtful than ever.

The Blues had agreed personal terms with the winger by all accounts, and were just waiting to sell a few players of their own to ensure they had the positive FFP balance to make a deal for the Dutchman.

But a couple of things have come up to slow them down – the collapse of Renato Veiga’s move to Atletico Madrid has snatched £40m the club thought they had from their hands at the last minute. Then the injury to Levi Colwill, which will rule him out all season, has suddenly made a centre back signing look far more important than another wing option.

Winger performances make Chelsea less desperate for additions

The excellent performances of Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens on their Chelsea debut last night may also have given the sporting directors even more conviction that Simons would just be a bonus for this squad rather than a necessity.

In any case, the Simons deal is still very much on – it’s just not as on as it was a week ago. The important thing right now is that no other club is making serious moves for him, so we can afford to sit back a little and consider our options a little before diving in.