Confirmed: Chelsea initiate Xavi Simons swap deal talks

Cameron Smith

10 Aug 2025 14:35 BST
4 min read

Xavi Simons, Chelsea, RB Leipzig — © IMAGO

Chelsea have reportedly initiated talks with RB Leipzig over a swap deal involving Xavi Simons and Christopher Nkunku.

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Enzo Maresca’s side have been heavily linked with a move for Simons over the past few weeks and there is a growing expectation that he will become the latest high-profile player to complete a transfer to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Current ETV

Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

RB Leipzig

Xavi Simons

M (L), AM (C)

RB Leipzig

ETV Range

€60.7M - €74.2M

The Netherlands international has informed Leipzig of his desire to leave the club before the end of the 2025 summer transfer window and he has set his sights on completing a blockbuster move to Chelsea after agreeing personal terms with the reigning Club World Cup winners.

The west London giants have been in negotiations with Leipzig over a potential transfer fee for Simons in recent weeks and they are now exploring the possibility of including Nkunku in the deal.

That is according to The Guardian, who claim that Leipzig would like to re-sign Nkunku this summer.

The France forward completed a €60 million move from the Bundesliga outfit to Chelsea in the summer of 2023, however he has struggled for fitness and form since arriving in England and he is now expected to leave west London on a permanent deal.

© IMAGO - Christopher Nkunku could return to RB Leipzig this summer

Xavi Simons-Christopher Nkunku swap deal on the cards

Chelsea are determined to offload Nkunku before the summer transfer window ends and they are eager to finalise a player-plus-cash swap deal with Leipzig.

The Bundesliga giants expect to receive a €70m fee for Simons, while Chelsea reportedly value Nkunku at around €46m.

As a result, the Blues could be set to pay roughly €24m for Simons, in addition to sending Nkunku in the opposite direction.

Simons scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last season, and he is expected to provide competition for Cole Palmer if he completes a move to Chelsea this summer.

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