Chelsea move ahead of Arsenal in transfer race for ‘exceptional’ £60m star

Chelsea have moved ahead of Arsenal in the transfer race to sign Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, according to fresh reports.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal have been monitoring Simons this summer – along with Bayern Munich – but the Blues are now in pole position.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Simons is ‘very keen’ on Chelsea and is attracted by their project, with the club ‘pushing hard’ to do a deal.

RB Leipzig want £60m to sell the Netherlands international, who has been dubbed ‘exceptional’ by Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund.

However, it is believed that Chelsea may actually be able to able to wrap up a deal for a smaller fee after making direct contact with the player’s camp.

It is thought that club-to-club talks between Chelsea and RB Leipzig will begin on Tuesday, although any deal will reportedly depend on outgoings.