Manchester City have reportedly thrown their hat into the ring to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, potentially derailing Chelsea’s negotiations for the promising attacker. Despite Chelsea’s sustained interest in Simons throughout the summer, they have prioritised finalising other deals first, intending to approach Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho before the transfer window closes on September 1st.
Prominent transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently highlighted Chelsea’s dual interest in both Simons and Garnacho, noting the club’s ambition to seal the double signing. However, developments have taken an intriguing turn as Manchester City, on the lookout for additional firepower amid potential exits for Jack Grealish and Savinho, have reached out with intentions of their own.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, City have rekindled connections with influential agent Ali Barat, presenting a formidable challenge to Chelsea’s pursuit. Tavolieri shared via social media: “EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City enters the race for Xavi Simons! With the likely departure of Savinho, the Citizens have reestablished contact with super agent Ali Barat in an attempt to lure Xavi away from Chelsea. On #CFC side, talks are still ongoing, with mutual interest to finalise a deal. Wait & See… #mercato.”
However, Bundesliga pundit Ronan Murphy has issued a stark warning to both Chelsea and City, advising caution in their pursuit of Simons. Murphy draws an unfavourable comparison to Timo Werner and Christopher Nkunku, previous Leipzig acquisitions by Chelsea that failed to reach their potential at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to Football Transfers, Murphy mused, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on you. What do they say for fool me three times? Because that is exactly what Chelsea are about to do. Chelsea’s past signings from Leipzig involved significant financial outlays, yet neither met expectations in London. Now, they seem poised to add another Leipzig attacker to their ranks, potentially the least fruitful of the lot.”
“Simons departs Leipzig with 21 goals in 76 appearances, versus Werner’s 95 in 159 and Nkunku’s 70 in 172. Despite his evident talent and flashes of brilliance for both club and country, particularly for the Netherlands, Simons’ inconsistency may prove a barrier in the demanding environment of the Premier League.”
With just a few weeks left in the transfer window, the intrigue surrounding Simons’ future remains palpable as the two top-flight giants vie for his signature. As negotiations continue to unfold, only time will tell whether Chelsea or City will secure this coveted addition to their attacking line-up.
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