Chelsea open talks over Xavi Simons transfer but major hijack risk from Premier League and European rivals

Chelsea have opened talks with RB Leipzig to sign Xavi Simons, talkSPORT understands. Simons is close to agreeing personal terms, but is also talking to other clubs with Bayern Munich and Arsenal keen as well. Chelsea have opened talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of SimonsGetty GettyEnzo Maresca is looking to complete his eighth signing of the summer[/caption] The 22-year-old is prioritising a move to the Premier League as it stands and could be available for under £60million. That’s despite Leipzig agreeing an £70million fee with PSG in January. The breakdown of that package was £44million guaranteed with a further £26million in add-ons. A large proportion of the bonuses haven’t been paid yet, which is why Leipzig are prepared to sanction a sale closer to Simons’ current market value. Who else is on Chelsea transfer list? Chelsea want to add another attacker with the expectation Christopher Nkunku departs. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho also remains a name of interest. Should Nicolas Jackson also depart, which is by no means a given, Joao Pedro would likely be used more in his favoured role as a number nine, and there could even be a scenario where Chelsea proceed with both Simons and Garnacho. Arsenal also appreciate Simons, but are yet to advance on a deal. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze remains a name of interest and talks have already taken place on the player side. Palace’s position is they want Eze’s £68million release clause paid and it remains to seen whether this stance softens as the window progresses. Bayern have also held talks with Simons, even though their first priority is to sign Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz. GettyBayern and Arsenal could rival Chelsea for the Netherlands midfielder[/caption] Simons could be available for less than £60million during the current windowGetty An improved offer, potentially close to £70million, is expected soon. The German champions are not also ruling out a bid for Simons despite knowing he is keen on a Premier League switch. Simons has made 76 appearances for Leipzig, scoring 21 times and can be used as an attacking midfielder or on either flank, which is viewed as appealing by Chelsea. Chelsea are also busy advancing on a new defender having started club-to-club talks with Ajax for Jorrel Hato. Fresh talks also took place on the player side last week, as talkSPORT revealed, and personal terms are not thought to be a problem. Liverpool also have an interest in the defender, who clubs hope will be available in the £35-45million bracket, despite Ajax holding out for a fee closer to £60million in January when suitors enquired. Chelsea see Hato as a strong fit because he can play centre-back or left-back and there is need for a versatile profile given Renato Veiga is in talks to join Atletico Madrid. Cover for Marc Cucurella currently comes in the form of right-sided defenders Reece James and Malo Gusto or moving Levi Colwill to left-back.

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Chelsea open talks over Xavi Simons transfer but major hijack risk from Premier League and European rivals

Chelsea have opened talks with RB Leipzig to sign Xavi Simons, talkSPORT understands.

Simons is close to agreeing personal terms, but is also talking to other clubs with Bayern Munich and Arsenal keen as well.

Chelsea have opened talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of Simons

Enzo Maresca is looking to complete his eighth signing of the summer[/caption]

The 22-year-old is prioritising a move to the Premier League as it stands and could be available for under £60million.

That’s despite Leipzig agreeing an £70million fee with PSG in January.

The breakdown of that package was £44million guaranteed with a further £26million in add-ons.

A large proportion of the bonuses haven’t been paid yet, which is why Leipzig are prepared to sanction a sale closer to Simons’ current market value.

Who else is on Chelsea transfer list?

Chelsea want to add another attacker with the expectation Christopher Nkunku departs.

Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho also remains a name of interest.

Should Nicolas Jackson also depart, which is by no means a given, Joao Pedro would likely be used more in his favoured role as a number nine, and there could even be a scenario where Chelsea proceed with both Simons and Garnacho.

Arsenal also appreciate Simons, but are yet to advance on a deal. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze remains a name of interest and talks have already taken place on the player side.

Palace’s position is they want Eze’s £68million release clause paid and it remains to seen whether this stance softens as the window progresses.

Bayern have also held talks with Simons, even though their first priority is to sign Liverpool’s Luiz Diaz.

Bayern and Arsenal could rival Chelsea for the Netherlands midfielder[/caption]

Simons could be available for less than £60million during the current window

An improved offer, potentially close to £70million, is expected soon.

The German champions are not also ruling out a bid for Simons despite knowing he is keen on a Premier League switch.

Simons has made 76 appearances for Leipzig, scoring 21 times and can be used as an attacking midfielder or on either flank, which is viewed as appealing by Chelsea.

Chelsea are also busy advancing on a new defender having started club-to-club talks with Ajax for Jorrel Hato.

Fresh talks also took place on the player side last week, as talkSPORT revealed, and personal terms are not thought to be a problem.

Liverpool also have an interest in the defender, who clubs hope will be available in the £35-45million bracket, despite Ajax holding out for a fee closer to £60million in January when suitors enquired.

Chelsea see Hato as a strong fit because he can play centre-back or left-back and there is need for a versatile profile given Renato Veiga is in talks to join Atletico Madrid.

Cover for Marc Cucurella currently comes in the form of right-sided defenders Reece James and Malo Gusto or moving Levi Colwill to left-back.