The transfer saga involving Dutch superstar Xavi Simons and Chelsea has reached a critical stage. The player is now actively and publicly pushing to force a move to Stamford Bridge, but a snag has reportedly emerged in the negotiations between the two clubs.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Simons did not train with his current club, RB Leipzig, on Friday and was not part of the squad again today. In the clearest sign yet of his intentions, the midfielder has also deleted “RB Leipzig” from his Instagram bio.
These actions underline the numerous reports that the player is “keen to join Chelsea” and has already reached an advanced stage in talks over personal terms with the London club.
However, while the player’s side of the deal is all but agreed, progress between the clubs has stalled. According to Sun Sport, Chelsea’s bid to sign Simons has “hit a snag” because their initial proposal is believed to have involved including Chelsea players in a part-exchange or swap deal.
RB Leipzig are reportedly not interested in any of Chelsea’s squad players and are holding out for a straight cash deal. This development forces Chelsea to go back to the drawing board to structure a new, cash-only offer that meets the German club’s valuation.
The situation is now a classic transfer standoff. The player is doing everything in his power to make the move happen, but the deal now hinges on Chelsea’s ability and willingness to meet RB Leipzig’s demands for a pure cash transaction.