Xavi Simons Missing from RB Leipzig Training Amid Speculations on Chelsea Move

Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons has reportedly taken a significant step toward forcing a transfer to Chelsea by skipping RB Leipzig’s training session ahead of the club’s weekend friendly match.

The 22-year-old playmaker, currently on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain, is said to be eager to seal a move to the Premier League before the summer transfer window closes.

Sources close to the player confirmed that Simons’ absence from training was not due to injury or illness but a calculated decision intended to accelerate negotiations with Chelsea.

Observers also noted that the player had recently removed references to RB Leipzig from his Instagram profile—a move widely interpreted as a public signal of his intentions.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Simons is not expected to be involved in Leipzig’s next match and indicated that personal terms between Chelsea and the player are close to being finalized.

Talks between both clubs are ongoing, with RB Leipzig reportedly demanding a transfer fee in the region of €70 million (£60 million).

While Chelsea are said to be exploring various financial arrangements, including player-plus-cash options, Leipzig are insisting on a straight-cash deal and have already rejected multiple swap offers.

Simons’ agent, Ali Barat, who has played a central role in the negotiations, is reportedly working directly with Chelsea’s transfer chiefs to finalize a deal.

The Blues have made strengthening their midfield a top priority this summer, and manager Enzo Maresca is believed to view Simons as a crucial creative addition to his evolving squad.

Should the deal be completed, Simons would become one of Chelsea’s marquee signings of the summer.

The West London club has already secured several high-profile names, including João Pedro and Liam Delap, as it looks to rebuild under Maresca’s leadership following a turbulent past two seasons.

Simons, who impressed during his stint at PSV and has continued to show promise at Leipzig, is said to be attracted by the challenge and visibility of the Premier League.

Chelsea’s interest dates back to earlier this year, and talks have accelerated rapidly in recent weeks.

Neither RB Leipzig nor PSG has issued a formal comment on the player’s absence, but club insiders suggest that all parties are now working toward a resolution, with Chelsea looking to wrap up the deal before the next round of pre-season fixtures.

With Simons now seemingly pushing from his end, a breakthrough appears imminent, potentially concluding one of the more high-profile transfer sagas of the summer.