Chelsea transfer gets huge boost as star agrees personal terms with dominoes set to fall

Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are closer to signing Xavi Simons after RB Leipzig moved closer to signing his replacement (Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)

Chelsea's pursuit of Xavi Simons could be close to completion after RB Leipzig reportedly agreed personal terms with Liverpool 's Harvey Elliott. Reds winger Elliott has been touted as the prime candidate to fill any void left by Simons, making a move for the Dutch forward increasingly likely as Leipzig pursue his potential replacement.

Chelsea remain interested in securing a deal for Netherlands forward Simons despite already splashing out approximately £260million on fresh talent this summer. Most of those incomings have been in attack and midfield, but it appears Enzo Maresca isn't settled on his options.

Sky Germany suggested the transfer could be finalised following Leipzig's Bundesliga opener against Bayern Munich on Friday. This comes after 22-year-old Elliott, who is reportedly open to leaving Anfield for more game time, is believed to have agreed to a move to Saxony.

Leipzig are thought to be demanding around £60m to part ways with Simons, who is also reportedly on Manchester City's radar .

The Dutchman spent 18 months on loan at the German club before they shelled out a record-breaking fee, potentially rising to £67m if all add-ons are met.

German reports indicate Simons is keen to depart Leipzig following their failure to qualify for this season's Champions League . Chelsea could meet the player's requirements in this respect, aiming to progress under Maresca after clinching the FIFA Club World Cup .

The West London side triumphed over Simons' previous club, Paris Saint-Germain , in the Club World Cup final. As a result of a sell-on clause in his current contract, Les Parisiens are set to receive a windfall from any future transfer.

Elliott's decision to join the Red Bulls is a crucial part of the chain reaction needed to free up Simons. The winger moved to Anfield in 2019 but has found it challenging to secure a place in the starting XI under both Jurgen Klopp and successor Arne Slot .

Simons is understood to be keen on leaving Leipzig after they failed to qualify for the Champions League (Image: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Liverpool are also thought to be open to selling players to balance their finances this summer, reports The Mirror . The Merseyside club have already splashed out nearly £300m on new signings but have also managed to recoup around £200m through player sales.

Selling Elliott could significantly help in aligning the club's finances. It's said Liverpool would be willing to let him go for approximately £45m.

Harvey Elliott has reportedly agreed personal terms with Leipzig (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku has also been linked with a move away this summer , with Leipzig reportedly interested. The Guardian reported his former team stepped up their efforts after Bayern hit an obstacle in their pursuit.

A direct swap between Simons and Nkunku could have been the simplest solution as Chelsea aim to secure one of their top targets. However, it seems Elliott is poised to join Leipzig instead, potentially paving the way for Simons' move to Stamford Bridge.