Chelsea are lining up an opening transfer offer to sign RB Leipzig and Netherlands star Xavi Simons, according to reports.
The Blues have already bolstered Enzo Maresca’s attack with the addition of Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap for a combined fee of around £160million this summer.
Young duo Estevao and Kendry Paez, both aged 18, could also be set for key roles in the first-team next season having touched down in west London with burgeoning reputations in South American football.
But Stamford Bridge bosses are determined to further strengthen by bringing in Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Simons before the transfer deadline.
It’s understood personal terms have been agreed with Hato’s camp and a total agreement is edging ever closer for the 19-year-old Netherlands international.
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Talks for Hato’s Dutch team-mate Simons are also progressing at a pace and Chelsea are preparing an official bid for the 22-year-old having received some encouraging signs from RB Leipzig.
According to talkSPORT, the latest round of ‘positive’ discussions have ‘accelerated’ over the last few days.
It’s claimed agent Ali Barat has been at the heart of negotiations for Simons this summer, with RB Leipzig keen to include a sell-on clause in any agreement for the former PSG and PSV Eindhoven man.
The report adds that the Bundesliga outfit would be prepared to sanction the sale of Simons should they receive an offer in the region of €70m (£60.7m) from Chelsea.
However, the Blues are hopeful they could drive down RB Leipzig’s asking price and agree a lower fee for Simons.
Chelsea’s hierarchy want to avoid a repeat of last season – when Maresca’s attacking options were left desperately thin on the ground after a string of injuries to key players – and Simons’ versatility is considered a big plus.
Arsenal have also been considering a move for Simons, but their interest remains just that at his stage and no concrete talks have taken place, with Eberechi Eze currently the Gunners’ priority.
Simons, who is believed to be open to the prospect of a Premier League move, has two years remaining on his current contract with RB Leipzig.
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