Chelsea are edging closer to landing Dutch sensation Xavi Simons, with the Blues reportedly preparing an opening bid after learning RB Leipzig’s €70 million (£60.7m/$81.5m) valuation. Talks between the Blues,

Santi Aouna reports that RB Leipzig are eyeing up Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss as a potential replacement for Xavi Simons. The Foot Mercato journalist also links the Moroccan international with Crystal Palace. The Bundesliga club, per Aouna, is simply monitoring the 21-year-old at this point.

Joao Felix joined Chelsea permanently last summer for around £45m and the Blues could now recoup that figure as he edges closer to joining Al Nassr; Felix spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan,

RB Leipzig are monitoring Leicester City's Bilal El Khannous to replace Xavi Simons, whose future at Red Bull Arena appears uncertain amid Chelsea interest.

In his newsletter for GiveMeSport, Fabrizio Romano was asked if Arsenal are still interested in signing Simons this summer. The journalist replied: “Yes, but Eze is higher on their list, and Simons is currently in advanced talks with Chelsea.” Simons is a terrific player; nobody can dispute that.

Xavi Simons’ career was at a crossroads this time last year. Aged 19, Simons had played only 331 minutes of professional football across 11 appearances. He was still waiting for his first senior ...

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Xavi Simons, but what does that mean for their pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho?