Chelsea have identified Xavi Simons as a key target and are looking to take advantage of their strong relationship with his agent Ali Barat to get the move over the line

Xavi Simons’ agents, including his brother Faustino Simons and Marcello Brillmann, an employee of Ali Barat’s agency “Epic Jackson” whom Xavi recently hired due to his good contacts in England, are present at RB Leipzig’s training camp in Donaueschingen and are holding talks with the club.

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.

RB Leipzig are thought to be demanding a final fee of at least €70 million (£60.8 million, $82.1 million)—which would take Chelsea’s total outlay this summer to north of €300 million (£260.4 million, $351.9 million), comparable to the record-breaking figures bandied around by Liverpool.

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has left a message to former club Frankfurt and drawn a reaction from Chelsea target Xavi Simons.

Some big news coming in this afternoon is suggesting that Chelsea have now agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. This has been a big story all week and the rumours have turned into solid news and now that solid news looks like it could soon turn into a done deal!

Chelsea are set to make an opening bid to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, talkSPORT understands. Simons is close to agreeing personal terms, but is also talking to other clubs with Bayern Munich

Xavi Simons' future remains up in the air as the RB Leipzig star continues pre-season training amid Chelsea's pursuit of the attacking midfielder.