Xavi Simons Chooses Chelsea Over Manchester City

RB Leipzig winger Xavi Simons has made it clear he only wants a move to Chelsea, despite interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Leipzig values him at €80m. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea are his sole preference, but a deal hinges on Christopher Nkunku’s potential transfer to Bayern, with Chelsea planning Simons and Garnacho as key additions.

For the 2025 summer transfer window, Chelsea are making headlines as they close in on RB Leipzig winger Xavi Simons, who has made it clear that he only wants to join the London club despite interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga side values the 22-year-old Dutch international at €80 million (£69m, $93.6m), and reports suggest Chelsea’s pursuit of him hinges on Christopher Nkunku’s expected move to Bayern Munich.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Simons has been waiting for Chelsea since July and has never considered other clubs. Romano confirmed that Chelsea’s plan is to sell Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson before bringing in Simons and Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, views Simons as an ideal replacement for Kingsley Coman, while Manchester City would only turn to him if Savinho joins Tottenham, though their main target is Rodrygo.

Chelsea have already added Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jorrel Hato this summer, following their UEFA Conference League triumph and FIFA Club World Cup victory. Manager Enzo Maresca is determined to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title and making a strong Champions League run in 2025-26. Simons’ arrival could be a key step in that ambition.