Manchester United in negotiations for Xavi Simons transfer, following apparent agreement on Bryan Mbeumo deal: news item
In a significant development in the transfer market, Chelsea are reportedly close to securing the signing of Xavi Simons, an attacker from RB Leipzig. The deal, which is currently at a verbal agreement stage, is expected to progress once Chelsea finalize some outgoing transfers like Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, according to reports.
Chelsea's interest in Simons comes as Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the 22-year-old Dutch player. However, Chelsea appears to be leading the race, with negotiations advancing further than their competitors. Chelsea's potential acquisition of Simons is seen as a key part of strengthening their offensive setup, following other signings like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens.
The fee for Simons is reported to be significant, with Chelsea aiming to negotiate a price under £50 million, but Leipzig is expected to demand more, possibly around €70 million. There are indications of a potential swap or linked deal, as RB Leipzig wants to re-sign Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea, which could facilitate Simons’ transfer in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have not taken concrete steps towards securing Simons' services, despite reportedly considering him as an alternative to their current transfer target, Bryan Mbeumo. The club has already agreed a transfer for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and negotiations over Mbeumo have become protracted.
Simons, who is ranked at number 8 in the list of the best attacking midfielders in the world, is open to a new challenge away from RB Leipzig this summer. Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly met with Simons' agents, adding another suitor to the list.
The potential impact on squad composition for Chelsea is significant, as acquiring Simons would enhance their midfield and attacking creativity. For RB Leipzig, losing Simons may be softened if they re-sign Nkunku, maintaining strength in their attacking talent pool. The direct impact for Manchester United and Bayern Munich remains speculative unless they decide to seriously pursue or match Chelsea’s offer.
With United's tight spending power, they may be better focusing funds on a traditional no.9 or an athletic, battling midfielder, considering they already have players like Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Amad who can operate in similar areas as Xavi Simons.
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- Chelsea's potential acquisition of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, currently in negotiations, could significantly strengthen their offensive setup, given their interest in the Dutch attacker is shared by Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
- Should RB Leipzig sell Simons to Chelsea, they may look to re-sign Christopher Nkunku, potentially creating a swap deal that could facilitate Simons' transfer due to Chelsea's interest in Nkunku.
