Chelsea's hopes of landing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig before the start of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign have bolstered after Manchester United took a step towards signing Benjamin Sesko.
Talks are continuing with the German side to bring Simons to Stamford Bridge, football.london understands. The Netherlands international is the latest attacker to be linked with a move to Enzo Maresca's side - after Liam Delap and Joao Pedro arrived earlier in the window.
Simons has a broad agreement on personal terms with Chelsea, insiders have told football.london, although the two clubs are yet to find a common ground on a fee.
Unfortunately for the Blues, Simons isn't the only player at Leipzig who is being touted with a big-money move to the Premier League. Sesko has been the subject of strong interest from Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United this summer after scoring 21 goals in all competitions last season.
United are believed to be confident that Sesko wants to move to Old Trafford, despite Newcastle's latest bid being worth more money. football.london understands that the focus at the German club has been on Sesko's exit while sourcing a replacement for Simons continues.
It's understood that talks have continued between Chelsea and RB Leipzig today with Simons the current priority. There is less than four weeks until the transfer window closes and Maresca could welcome more new faces before the deadline.
Jorrel Hato became the latest to join the project in west London from Ajax. Jamie Gittens, Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez have all also joined.
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