RB Leipzig have not ruled out the possibility that Xavi Simons could stay at the club this summer, insisting all ‘economic aspects’ would have to be right for Chelsea to sign the winger.
The Blues are in advanced discussions to sign Simons as their final piece of business of the summer transfer window, but are yet to agree a fee with Leipzig for the 22-year-old Dutchman.
The Netherlands international is eager to push through a proposed move to Stamford Bridge having agreed personal terms with the Club World Cup winners.
Leipzig’s €70million (£60.4m) asking price remains a significant stumbling block, though, and there is a chance the forward could be forced to stay put, with just a week remaining until the transfer deadline.
Reports over the weekend suggested Chelsea may also have to offload Christopher Nkunku in order for a spot to become available for Simons in Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.
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Simons was able to block out the incessant noise and speculation over his future to start Leipzig’s opening match of the Bundesliga season away to Bayern Munich on Friday night.
But it proved a night to forget for Simons and RB Leipzig, with Bayern running out 6-0 winners to get their title defence off to the perfect start at the Allianz Arena.
‘I certainly don’t expect a worse performance than what we presented in Munich,’ Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff told German publication Kicker.
‘We need a response now, too, and not just on the second matchday, but also across the board.’
Leipzig will look to pick up their first win of the top-flight campaign when they welcome Heidenheim to Red Bull Arena on Saturday.
The rumours surrounding Simons’ future have threatened to become an unwanted distraction inside the Leipzig dressing room at this early stage of the season.
But according to Mintzlaff, Leipzig will not be bullied into a deal and the terms of any agreement would have to be a ‘good fit’ for all parties involved.
‘There are certainly discussions and interested parties, of course, but it has to be a good fit for all parties,’ he added.
‘If that happens, then there could still be a departure.
‘And if that doesn’t happen, then Xavi Simons is RB Leipzig’s player this season.’
Facing the media prior to Leipzig’s defeat to Bayern, the club’s sporting director, Marcel Schafer, suggested Chelsea were still some way off striking a deal for Simons.
‘We are generally known for enabling players to take the next step. He has expressed his desire to take the next step,’ Schafer said.
‘Basically, we’re open and won’t block any players. But only if all the parameters are right for everyone involved. And that hasn’t been the case so far.
‘If we notice that things are going in a certain direction, then we’re prepared to take one or two players off.
‘That really hasn’t been the case so far. And that’s why he played today.’
Simons, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and PSV Eindhoven, has two years remaining on his current contract with Leipzig.
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