Manchester City have moved into the chase for Xavi Simons at a stage when Chelsea are looking to secure the Dutch international from RB Leipzig.
The London club had been negotiating a fee reportedly around £60m [$80m] and had already reportedly received the player’s approval for the transfer, but journalist Sacha Tavolieri [via Transfer News Live] reports that: "They [Man City] have made contact with super agent Ali Barat in an attempt to lure Xavi away from Chelsea.."
The situation is tied to Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Brazilian winger Savinho, with Spurs making a £43m [$57m] offer that the player could accept.
If Savinho leaves, City will have both the need for a replacement and the financial room to press ahead for Simons.
🚨 BREAKING: Manchester City have entered the race for Xavi Simons! 🇳🇱
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 11, 2025
💰 They have made contact with super agent Ali Barat in an attempt to lure Xavi away from Chelsea.
(Source: @sachatavolieri ) pic.twitter.com/Oq2WyoP9VW
The 22-year-old scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances last season and is keen to move after Leipzig missed out on European football.
Chelsea’s progress is now under real pressure from their Premier League rivals.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Chelsea offer Nkunku in Xavi Simons talk with Man City monitoring quickly
According to The Guardian, Chelsea are working on a deal that would send Christopher Nkunku back to Leipzig as part of their offer.
Nkunku joined Chelsea in 2023 for £52m [$70m] but has found it difficult to settle and Leipzig view him as an ideal replacement for Benjamin Sesko after the striker’s £73.7m [$98m] switch to Manchester United.
Chelsea believe Nkunku’s £40m [$53m] valuation could help reduce Simons price, although a significant cash payment will still be required.
City meanwhile in their late push will rely on Pep Guardiola’s appeal and consistent Champions League football to lure the Bundesliga star.
While Chelsea are also in talks with Manchester United over Alejandro Garnacho and are preparing to sell Nicolas Jackson for about £65m [$87m] to Newcastle United, delays in their negotiations could open the door for City to step in.
Manchester City news and related links
- Man City face fresh injury concern ahead of Premier League opener
- Premier League rivals step up shock interest in Man City's star forward
- Man City rocked by fresh setback ahead of season opener