Chelsea have reportedly reached a personal agreement with RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons and are preparing to submit a formal offer to the German club in the near future.
This move comes after the Dutch international rejected Bayern Munich’s offer to join Chelsea.
According to a Goal report on Wednesday, Chelsea managed to convince Simons to join them, beating off competition from other European giants, including Bayern.
The 22-year-old has made it clear to Leipzig that he only wants a move to Stamford Bridge.
Personal terms with Simons have reportedly been finalized, with Chelsea now in negotiations with Leipzig over a transfer fee.
Leipzig are reportedly asking ₹700 crore for Simons, according to ESPN.
Last season, Simons impressed in the Bundesliga, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in 25 games.
His brilliant performance made him a target for a number of top European clubs, including Manchester City.
Bayern see Simons as an ideal replacement for Kingsley Coman, who recently moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Manchester City themselves are considering Simons as an attacking option, especially if Savinho leaves for Tottenham.
However, Simons has firmly stated that he prefers Chelsea, thus giving the Blues a huge advantage.
Under the tutelage of coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are actively overhauling their squad to face the new season, including the Champions League.
Simons, with his flexibility to play in various attacking positions, is considered an ideal addition to Maresca’s tactical system.
Chelsea have also been linked with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, although negotiations for Simons are said to be independent of any other transfer.
Chelsea are ready to make an opening bid of around €60M (₹525 crore), but Leipzig are expected to demand a higher fee.