Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS Chelsea interest in €75m Man Utd target

Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Netherlands international joined Leipzig on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain for €50 million in January, following a successful loan stint at the club, but he is widely expected to leave the Red Bull Arena when the 2024-25 campaign concludes.

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka surprise at Arsenal as Chelsea make winger contact

Simons, 21, could be available for a fee of around €70-75m and a summer transfer is currently a “concrete and strong possibility.”

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all “well-informed” on Simons’ situation at RB Leipzig as they ponder a possible summer bid.

The Dutchman still “dreams” of a return to Barcelona, having spent nine years in La Masia before leaving to join PSG in 2019, but a move to the Premier League is far more likely due to financial reasons and the fact that Hansi Flick already has a number of attacking options at his disposal.

READ MORE: Chelsea top scorers 2024/25

Xavi Simons to join Chelsea?

Although Simons is capable of playing as a left winger, he is more at home in an attacking midfield role, which means he may find it challenging to break into Enzo Maresca’s preferred starting XI if he joins Chelsea this summer.

Cole Palmer is the undisputed first choice No.10 at Stamford Bridge, while talented South American teenagers Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez could provide back-up when they formally arrive at the club in July.

Simons would, however, fit in perfectly at Man Utd, and Ruben Amorim’s side are weighing up a possible summer pursuit amid the uncertain futures of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.

Bruno Fernandes may also depart Old Trafford, following news of significant interest from Real Madrid, meaning Simons could be targeted as a replacement for the Red Devils captain.