Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea remain in advanced talks with RB Leipzig over Xavi Simons, but the deal is being held up for two reasons.
Simons is pushing to leave the Bundesliga giants to sign for Chelsea, going so far as to miss training last week in a bid to force through a move.
The Stamford Bridge side have yet to lodge an official offer for the Netherlands international star, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €67.5 million.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed exactly what’s causing the deal to stall.
The transfer insider said: “Chelsea remain in talks with RB Leipzig and Xavi Simons wants to go there. There are advanced talks but the moment, there’s been no breakthrough. Why?”
“It’s not been done for two reasons. The first one is that RB Leipzig are completely focused on the Sesko deal. So they’ll resolve that and then clarify Xavi Simons. Secondly, Chelsea are working on the outgoings. I told you that the contract and salary are almost agreed but we have to wait for official statements for Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and all the rest.
“Then there’s the conversation on the price between the two clubs which is something absolutely important.”
RB Leipzig are believed to be asking for around €70m for Simons.
Romano hints there’s another big Chelsea transfer to come
Romano also dropped a further transfer hint as to what Chelsea might do in the closing days of the transfer window.
“Chelsea also keep thinking about Alejandro Garnacho. Don’t forget about that story,” he said.
The Manchester United winger is one of several players up for sale at Old Trafford, with the Stamford Bridge outfit having monitored his availability since the January transfer window.
Chelsea have already signed nearly €300m worth of talent this summer, with Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro their headline arrivals.
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