Arsenal gaining ground in elite midfielder race! Rivals fading?
Arsenal are among the clubs keeping tabs on Xavi Simons as Chelsea edge closer to making a formal offer for the RB Leipzig midfielder.
The Dutch international is on Chelsea’s radar as they push to reinforce their attack, with talks over personal terms reportedly at an advanced stage.
Chelsea are expected to submit an official bid shortly, and believe a deal could be struck below the previously reported €70 million price tag.
Despite progress on the Chelsea end, Simons is still speaking to other clubs, and Arsenal remain in the frame as one of the sides weighing up a late move.
Reports suggest Simons is keen on a Premier League switch, which leaves the door open for other English sides to step in.
Arsenal have yet to make a formal approach but are understood to appreciate the 22-year-old’s versatility across midfield and the flanks.
Mikel Arteta’s side are continuing to assess their options in the market, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze also on their list.
Sources indicate Arsenal have held initial talks on the player side for Eze, although Palace remain firm in their demand for the full £68 million release clause.
Simons, meanwhile, has emerged as a potential alternative if the Eze deal stalls or if the market shifts in Arsenal’s favour.
Chelsea are currently leading the race but must offload at least one attacker before finalising any deal for Simons.
The likes of Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix occupy similar roles in the squad, and there is no clear path to guaranteed minutes for the former PSG man at Stamford Bridge.
Simons is unlikely to settle for a secondary role after leaving Paris in pursuit of regular football.
The current valuation is thought to be below €60 million, as Leipzig are open to a sale and willing to negotiate on the structure of the fee.
The Bundesliga side are keen to include a sell-on clause, which could help push down the upfront cost for any buying club.
Ben Jacobs has reported that Chelsea are relaxed about the financial aspects, but that could also provide Arsenal with time to enter the fray.
Arsenal’s interest hasn’t advanced yet, but the situation remains fluid and could develop quickly if Chelsea stall or other factors shift.
As it stands, Simons to Chelsea isn’t a done deal — and Arsenal are still in the background watching closely.
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