Chelsea set to beat Arsenal to top transfer target. He will sign a contract with Chelsea until 2032

Xavi Simons
Photo: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Chelsea are on the verge of pulling off one of the biggest transfer coups of the summer, with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons reportedly set to join the Blues despite strong interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

According to respected journalist Nicolo Schira, Chelsea have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of the 22-year-old Dutch international, who is expected to sign a long-term contract running until 2032, with an option to extend until 2033.

The move underlines Chelsea’s renewed ambition to build a young and dynamic squad capable of challenging for major honours under manager Enzo Maresca.
Simons had been on loan at Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain since the summer of 2023, before the German club triggered a €50 million permanent transfer in January 2025. But rather than settle in the Bundesliga, it now appears the highly-rated attacking midfielder will be making a blockbuster switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Dutch star had an excellent season in 2024/25, registering 13 goals and 9 assists in 39 appearances for Leipzig across all competitions. His creativity, dribbling ability, and versatility in the attacking third make him a perfect addition to Chelsea’s evolving tactical setup.

What makes this deal even sweeter for Chelsea fans is that Simons was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, with the Gunners planning to hijack the deal. But it’s the Blues who have acted decisively to secure one of Europe’s brightest young talents.

This signing continues Chelsea’s recent trend of investing in young, high-potential players with long-term contracts. Simons joins the likes of Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer in a project aimed at creating a core group of stars who can grow and succeed together over the next decade.

With Xavi Simons on the way, Chelsea fans can look forward to more flair, goals, and unpredictability in the attacking third — qualities that were sometimes lacking last season.