Xavi Simons to Chelsea domino falls as Romano says 'here we go'

Cameron Smith

Updated: 15 Aug 2025 12:29 BST
4 min read

Xavi Simons, Chelsea, RB Leipzig — © IMAGO

Chelsea have been handed an unlikely boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons amid competition from Manchester City.

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The Netherlands international has already agreed personal terms with Enzo Maresca’s side, but the Blues are yet to finalise a deal with Leipzig as they are currently prioritising player sales.

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 Stamford Bridge outfit currently have 36 senior players on their books and they are eager to trim down their first-team squad before completing the signings of Simons and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Another reason why Chelsea are eager to offload their unwanted stars is to raise transfer funds, with the club having received a hefty fine from UEFA for financial breaches over the past three years.

European football’s governing body have also warned Chelsea they will be unable to register new players for UEFA competitions unless their transfer balance is positive, meaning the club must recoup funds this summer.

Omari Hutchinson to join Chelsea

Chelsea have already earned €232 million through sales so far this summer, with Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among the stars to have departed on permanent deals, while they are set to be given a helping hand by Nottingham Forest.

That is because Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have reached a full agreement to sign Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson, as per Fabrizio Romano.

© IMAGO - Omari Hutchinson is set to join Nottingham Forest

The football transfer news expert posted on X: “Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town for £37m (€42.9m) fee, here we go!

“Omari, on his way to medical right now as personal terms are also agreed for new Nottingham Forest signing. Follows James McAtee (done) and Arnaud Kalimuendo (very close).”

Chelsea included a 25% sell-on clause when they offloaded Hutchinson to Ipswich last summer, meaning they stand to earn around €10.7m thanks to his imminent move to Nottingham Forest.

Furthermore, Romano has also confirmed that Bayern Munich have opened formal talks with Chelsea over a deal for Christopher Nkunku, with the Frenchman's imminent departure set to open the door for the Blues to land Simons.

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