£50m "game-changer" would now love to join Chelsea despite Arsenal approach
da lvbet： Chelsea have recently been handed a boost in their pursuit of an attacker, with it being revealed he would love to move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from Arsenal.
Blues looking to sign new attacking midfielder
da aviator aposta： Enzo Maresca has already made major improvements to his squad this summer, with new striker Joao Pedro playing a major role in the Club World Cup triumph, scoring the third goal in his side’s 3-0 rout of Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
However, the Blues are by no means done, with a new attacking midfielder also of interest, and there are three main options on the shortlist.
Target
Current club
Asking price
Morgan Rogers
Aston Villa
£90m
Eberechi Eze
Crystal Palace
£68m
Xavi Simons
RB Leipzig
£67m
The west Londoners have recently held talks over a deal for Simons, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Tottenham Hotspur also keen, while fellow London rivals Arsenal are thought to have made an approach of their own.
That said, despite the major interest from elsewhere, Maresca’s side should be well-positioned to win the race for the RB Leipzig star, as per a new update from journalist Simon Phillips.
Phillips said: “Arsenal are interested in Simons as said, but our sources have heard they are focusing on Eze still but if they cannot get that over the line then Simons is the backup for them.
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The Blues are willing to use one of their players as a makeweight in negotiations for an attacker.
“Sources feel Chelsea could have come in and snapped Simons up by the time that happens anyway. So this one is certainly brewing up and all connected.
“Further to this, our sources have heard that Simons ‘would love to join Chelsea’ this window, so there would be no problem on the player side. Chelsea, expected to make more enquiries on Simons this week now.”
"Game-changer" Simons could be statement signing for Chelsea
Scout and writer Jacek Kulig lauded the Leipzig attacking midfielder as a “game-changer” last season, and it is clear to see why, with the Dutchman impressing for both club and country.
The Netherlands international picked up a goal and an assist in a very impressive performance against European champions Spain in March, while also regularly finding the back of the net and setting up his teammates in the Bundesliga.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Bundesliga
25
10
7
DFB Pokal
3
1
1
It is little wonder the 22-year-old is very keen on sealing a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with Maresca’s side recently being crowned Club World Cup champions, and Champions League football on offer next season.
Having already proven they have what it takes to compete against the world’s best teams, the signing of Simons could elevate the Blues and help them compete for even more major honours in the 2024-25 campaign.