Chelsea transfer target Xavi Simons has told RB Leipzig that he wants to leave for Stamford Bridge and has subsequently been left out of the German side’s squad for a friendly match with Atalanta. The Club World Cup winners are edging closer to a £60million transfer, but the Dutchman has been stopped from putting pen to paper.
Talks have reportedly been progressing positively after Chelsea struck an agreement on personal terms with the 22-year-old. They are yet to submit an official bid as they wait on sales, though Joao Felix’s departure to Al-Nassr will have gone some way to footing the bill.
Simons has informed Leipzig that he wants to join Chelsea and even though he has no injury or illness, has been left out of the squad completely on Saturday, with his team-mates taking on Serie A side Atalanta.
That is aside from Benjamin Sesko, who is also notably absent, with both Newcastle and Manchester United pushing for his signature.
Meanwhile, Simons has already hinted publicly that Leipzig is not in his future. He removed any mention of the club from his social media pages, now listing only his UNICEF ambassadorship and a Puma sponsorship.
Further sales may need to be completed in order for Simons to head to London, though Chelsea will be wary of rival interest from Arsenal.
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While Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who played a bit-part role last season despite arriving with Enzo Maresca from Leicester, has received Premier League interest, including from Fulham.
A loan to Marco Silva’s outfit was mooted but Chelsea are only willing to sanction an outright sale, with Dewsbury-Hall impressing at the Club World Cup.
If those four players leave, then Chelsea will be in a much stronger financial position to bring Simons in, especially with the player already going to such drastic lengths to try and force a move.