Chelsea sent Xavi Simons transfer warning as RB Leipzig stand ground despite agreement

RB Leipzig have warned Chelsea they’re ready to walk away from a deal for Xavi Simons. The Netherlands international is ready to move to Stamford Bridge and has agreed terms with the Premier League side, who are keen to add him to their attacking stable before the close of the transfer window.

But Leipzig are refusing to deal cheaply and certainly don’t need to sell - despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League this season - after cashing in on Benjamin Sesko to the tune of £74m.

Simons is believed to have made it clear that he only wants to go to Chelsea, despite reported interest from both Manchester City and Bayern Munich, with the latter now pushing to add to their attack following Kingsley Coman’s exit to Saudi Arabia. But RBL aren’t in any rush to let him leave and are wary that Chelsea are also advancing in negotiations with Manchester United to sign Alejandro Garnacho.

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Now sporting director Marcel Schafer has warned that a deal will only be sanctioned by RBL if they are completely happy with all aspects of the move. He told Bild: "A transfer will only happen if it makes sporting and financial sense. If that’s not the case, Xavi will be an RB Leipzig player next year as well."

Leipzig are believed to be asking for at least £60million to part ways with Simons and have no interest in any kind of swap deal. They’ve earmarked Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott as a potential replacement.

One area where Chelsea boss Maresca is now desperate to add is in defence, after Tosin Adarabioyo followed Levi Colwill onto the club's injury list. Colwill is expected to miss most of the season after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury picked up in training after the squad returned for pre-season.

Speaking on Friday, Maresca revealed that he wanted a new central defender but that the club would look to internal options. Maresca said: "I think we need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but as I said, the club know exactly what I think."

When the subject was broached at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Maresca had no interest in adding more fuel to the topic.

"You like to talk about central defenders?" he asked the reporter. "I already spoke. Thank you very much."

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