Bayern Munich enter race to sign Chelsea target Xavi Simons

By Jamie Gardner, PA Chief Sports Reporter

Bayern Munich have entered the race to sign Chelsea target Xavi Simons, the PA news agency understands.

The London club are understood to be in direct talks with Simons’ club RB Leipzig.

However, Chelsea’s negotiations could be complicated by German champions Bayern Munich expressing an interest.

Netherlands international Simons is a Barcelona youth product who moved to Paris St Germain in 2019.

He spent a season with PSV Eindhoven in 2022-23 before returning to PSG under a buy-back clause.

He spent the 2023-24 season on loan to RB Leipzig before making the move permanent in January of this year.

Bayern declined to comment regarding Simons. Chelsea have been approached for comment.

It has been reported that Chelsea’s deal for Simons could involve Carney Chukwuemeka moving in the opposite direction.

Chukwuemeka spent the second half of last season on loan to Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea have already brought in forward Joao Pedro from Brighton for a reported £60million, as well as Jamie Gittens from Dortmund.

Noni Madueke has left the Blues to join Arsenal, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is another to have departed Stamford Bridge so far this summer.