BREAKING: Xavi Simons to Chelsea transfer takes fresh twist amid new move in RB Leipzig deal

Chelsea have opened club-to-club talks with RB Leipzig for the signing of Xavi Simons this summer, football.london understands.

Talks have been ongoing this week between Chelsea and the 22-year-old's representatives - including 'super agent' Ali Barat - and have been described as very positive. Now, the Blues have entered negotiations with Leipzig as the two clubs look to strike an agreement.

Leipzig are said to be open to selling the Netherlands international this summer with reports in recent days suggesting the Bundesliga club will do business for €65million (£56million). Bayern Munich have expressed their interest in Simons, and sources have told football.london the German club could try to hijack a deal.

READ MORE: Chelsea make major Jorrel Hato transfer decision as Xavi Simons dream revealed

READ MORE: Xavi Simons blocked from dream Chelsea shirt numbers after £90m transfers

Chelsea, though, are favourites for Simons at the time of writing. The Blues will now be looking to agree a fee with Leipzig in the coming days in order to get the deal done as quickly as possible.

Elsewhere, the west Londoners are pursuing another Dutchman. Chelsea opened talks with Ajax earlier on Wednesday to discuss a possible deal for 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato. The Blues have been considering making a move for Hato all summer-long and have now made their first official approach, football.london understands.

Chelsea have also been in contact with Hato's entourage over the possible move and gauge interest from the player's side. The early signs are that the Dutchman would be keen on switching Amsterdam for London, although no agreement has been reached just yet.

The Blues like the fact Hato can play as a central defender as well as a left-back as they look to provide cover for Marc Cucurella, who played more than 5000 minutes for club and country over the course of the 2024/25 season.