RB Leipzig have issued a firm warning to Chelsea that they are prepared to walk away from any deal for Xavi Simons, despite the midfielder reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Stamford Bridge club. The Netherlands international is said to be keen on a move to west London, with Chelsea looking to bolster their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
However, Leipzig are under no pressure to sell, having banked £74m from the sale of Benjamin Sesko earlier in the window. The Bundesliga side are believed to be holding out for at least £60m for Simons, and have ruled out any swap deal. Sporting director Marcel Schafer made the club's position clear, stating that a transfer would only be sanctioned if it makes both sporting and financial sense. "If that’s not the case, Xavi will be an RB Leipzig player next year as well," he said.
Simons is reportedly determined to join Chelsea, despite interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Leipzig have identified Liverpool's Harvey Elliott as a potential replacement should the 21-year-old depart.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is facing a headache in defence after injuries to both Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo. Colwill is expected to miss most of the season following ACL surgery, while Adarabioyo has also been sidelined. Maresca admitted on Friday that the club needs a new central defender, but indicated they are exploring internal solutions. When pressed on the matter again on Sunday, he declined to elaborate, ending the conversation abruptly.
