Big-money Chelsea deal 'advances' despite claims over fed-up team-mates and club concerns

Chelsea's quest for fresh attacking talent has led them to RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons, despite concerns over his temperament. Simons is reportedly eager to secure a summer transfer, with rumours suggesting that direct discussions between him and Chelsea have already taken place.

The talks are believed to be progressing well and personal terms are not anticipated to be an issue. The Blues are rumoured to want to finalise the deal swiftly. Having played for Barcelona in his youth, Simons was behind 19 goal contributions in 33 matches last season, netting 11 times. Liverpool have previously expressed interest in the player, while Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the attacking midfielder. Despite his undeniable talent, the Dutch international's temperament has been called into question.

German publication Sport Bild suggested that Simons was at the heart of issues in the Leipzig dressing room last season. The 22-year-old's alleged ego and his refusal to accept advice and criticism were among the problems reportedly troubling the attacker after he was given the captain's armband.

After making a £44million permanent switch to the Bundesliga from Paris Saint-Germain, Simons became Leipzig's highest earner However, Bild have claimed that Simons has failed to justify his billing after Leipzig could only manage seventh place in the league last season.

They suggest he was unable to replicate the form that impressed during his loan spell at the Red Bull outfit between 2023 and 2024. The German outlet even pointed to a baseball cap bearing Simons' initials and squad number as evidence of a player who has become too caught up in his own publicity.

They also suggested that Simons and his large team of representatives are selective about which media outlets he engages with, irrespective of the club's wishes. Nevertheless, Simons showed a more modest side when speaking towards the end of the German campaign, acknowledging areas where he must develop.

"Everyone has to improve - including me," he told Sport Bild back in May. "But at the end of the day, we're all human. Not everything is perfect all the time."

He added: "But we work hard to make the fans happy in the end. That's the process and it's getting better. "It's not about Xavi. It's about RB Leipzig. We have to solve things together."

Chelsea could secure Simons for around £60m, though the transfer is made more complex by a sell-on clause PSG inserted into their agreement with Leipzig, which would further reduce the sum the Bundesliga club would pocket.

Simons would undoubtedly bring creativity to Chelsea's attacking third, one which Enzo Maresca has focused on overhauling this summer. Chelsea have already splashed out a combined £90m on Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

However, the overhaul may see Nicolas Jackson become a casualty of the club's offensive reshuffle. The 24-year-old forward might now be heading for an exit, and with his preference to remain in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim's United have been suggested as a potential landing spot.