Chelsea on the brink of Jurgen Klopp transfer favour as £60m agreement 'advancing'

Chelsea could be handed a transfer favour by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as they are reportedly on the brink of signing Xavi Simons. The talented attacker currently plies his trade for RB Leipzig, with Klopp working as the head of football operations for the Red Bull Group.

Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market once again this summer and have signed a host of stars, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens. The Blues have also cashed in on Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic, with Joao Pedro set to follow them through the exit door when he completes his £43.7million transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now in advanced talks with Leipzig over a deal to sign Simons.

Negotiations between the two clubs are progressing well and are heading in a positive direction, although there is still work to do.

Simons, who bagged 10 goals and seven assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances last season, is said to be keen on the Chelsea project, with talks over personal terms also at an advanced stage.

Simons joined Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain on a permanent deal in January following an 18-month loan spell at the Red Bull Arena.

The 22-year-old learnt his trade in the Barcelona academy and has already been capped 28 times by the Netherlands.

He was a key player for his country at Euro 2024 and scored during the Netherlands' 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals of the tournament. He was also part of the Dutch squad at the World Cup in 2022.

Leipzig are said to be after a transfer fee of £60m to sanction Simons' exit, with Chelsea already showing their willingness to splash the cash since a consortium led by Todd Boehly bought the club in May 2022.

Chelsea will return to the Champions League next season after finishing fourth in the Premier League last time around.

The Blues began the 2024/25 campaign in scintillating form but fell away from the title race after Christmas as Liverpool went on to lift the trophy.

Maresca has managed to lead his side to double trophy success during his first year in charge, with the west London giants tasting success in the UEFA Conference League last season before winning the new look Club World Cup earlier this month.

The Blues will open their new Premier League campaign by hosting Crystal Palace in mid-August before travelling to West Ham for their first away match six days later.