Xavi Simons to Chelsea: RB Leizpig attacker 'only wants' Stamford Bridge move despite interest from rival Premier League club

Xavi Simons has reportedly informed RB Leipzig that he only wants to join Chelsea despite being the subject of interest from Manchester City.

Simons scored and provided an assist in Leipzig's 4-2 win over Sandhausen in Saturday's DFB-Pokal clash, but while he may have started the new season with the Red Bulls, he is widely expected to leave before the end of the summer transfer window.

Leipzig's failure to secure European football has seemingly convinced Simons that he needs to try a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners for the Netherlands international, although he is also attracting interest from Man City and Bayern Munich.

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Simons favours Chelsea switch

According to ESPN, Simons has no intention of joining Man City or Bayern, having informed Leipzig that he 'only wants' a move to Chelsea.

The report claims that Bayern want Simons to fill the void created by Kingsley Coman's departure, while Man City could be in the market for a new winger if Savinho joins Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it appears that Bayern and Man City may have to look elsewhere in their search for attacking reinforcements. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen to offload Bayern-linked Christopher Nkunku so they can look to finalise a deal for Simons. 

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What is Simons's asking price?

Leipzig are looking to make a profit on the €50m (£43m) that they splashed out to sign Simons on a permanent transfer earlier this year.

As a result, the German club are demanding €80m (£69m) to part ways with the Dutchman before the summer transfer deadline.

Chelsea are only willing to spend €60m (£52m) on the 22-year-old, meaning that a compromise may have to be reached if the player is to get his desired move.

Simons has scored 22 goals and provided 24 assists in 77 competitive appearances since he initially joined Leipzig in the summer of 2023.