£60m Chelsea target misses training and sends social media message over move | Football

Xavi Simons is hoping to push through a move to Chelsea, having missed training with RB Leipzig and sending a clear message on social media about his intentions.

The 22-year-old has had an eventful career so far, spending time in the Barcelona youth set-up, before two spells with PSG either side of an impressive stint with PSV and now in Germany with Leipzig.

The Netherlands international has been linked with the Premier League for some time, with Arsenal and Manchester United also credited with interest, and he now appears closer than ever to a switch to England.

Chelsea are keen on the forward and Leipzig are willing to sell, but want £60m for the Dutch star.

Sky Sport Germany reported on Friday that talks are ongoing between the Blues and the Bundesliga club and they are close to an agreement.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Simons did not train with his teammates on Friday as he pushes for the exit and a move to Stamford Bridge.

The 28-cap Netherlands international has also removed all mention of RB Leipzig from his Instagram bio, clearly suggesting that his future lies away from the German side.

Leipzig take on Atalanta in a pre-season friendly on Saturday and Simons is not in the squad for the game.

Romano described the talks between Chelsea and Leipzig as ‘at advanced stages’ but the Blues have work to do to get a deal done.

Sky suggest that Chelsea must sell players before they can sign Simons, having already spent over £200m on signings this summer, with the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Estevao all arriving.

They have brought in a substantial amount of money through the sales of Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Djorde Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga and others, but are looking to offload more.

Armando Broja is set to be another player heading out of Stamford Bridge this summer, with a move to newly-promoted Burnley close.

PA report that the Clarets are in advanced talks to sign the 23-year-old who will cost them around £20m.

The Albania international has been hampered by injuries and a lack of form, failing to score in loan spells at Fulham and Everton over the last 18 months.

Fellow striker Marc Guiu is also set to move this summer, although the 19-year-old will not be leaving permanently.

Sunderland have pulled off something of a coup by agreeing a deal to sign the former Barcelona player on a season-long loan.

There could be further exits from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes, with Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku not in the plans of manager Enzo Maresca.

After the arrivals of Pedro and Delap, Nicolas Jackson has also been linked with a departure, as he appears to have fallen down the pecking order.

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