RB Leipzig Eye Two Chelsea Talents as Negotiations for Xavi Simons Advance

According to The Telegraph, RB Leipzig have expressed interest in Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George as potential additions from Chelsea while Xavi Simons continues to be Chelsea’s priority target. Leipzig may see Chukwuemeka or George as suitable replacements should Simons depart, and talks over Chukwuemeka are already underway. Meanwhile, personal terms between Chelsea and Simons are nearing completion.

Chelsea are reportedly pressing for an agreement for Simons, though Leipzig have set a firm valuation of around £60 million to €70 million, rejecting offers to include players as sweeteners. Leipzig are clear they prefer a cash deal in any Simons negotiation.

Editorial

We believe RB Leipzig’s interest in both Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George underscores the club’s ambition to bolster their squad with promising young talents of Nigerian descent a logical step if Simons departs.

Chukwuemeka, once a standout at Aston Villa and recently at Borussia Dortmund, fits the profile of a creative central midfielder capable of stepping into Simons’ creative void. George, a winger with England, Ghanaian, and Nigerian eligibility, has been on the fringe at Chelsea but continues to shine in youth programmes. Leipzig’s interest suggests they see utility and upward potential in both players.

From Chelsea’s standpoint, the potential swap or sale of Chukwuemeka is in line with their broader strategy of clearing space for established targets and reducing squad congestion. Simons, who may fetch between £60–70 million, would fund such transitions. In Stuttgart’s interest in George, Leipzig are open-minded they could opt for loans if regular minutes are assured.

Should these moves materialise, they reflect a broader trend: clubs targeting players with Nigerian heritage who combine technical pedigree, youth, and adaptability. Stuttgart want midfield ingenuity Leipzig want depth after Simons and Nigerian ability continues to influence European recruitment.

Did You Know?

1. Carney Chukwuemeka spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, yet Chelsea now prefer a permanent sale over another loan giving Leipzig a window to capitalise.
2. Tyrique George featured for Chelsea’s first team in the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League and is of English, Nigerian and Ghanaian descent, making him eligible for all three senior national teams.
3. RB Leipzig originally paid around £43 million to permanently sign Xavi Simons in January before his recent desire to leave emerged due to Leipzig’s failure to qualify for Champions League.
4. Although Leipzig face no European football in 2025/26, they have already spent over €90 million this summer and remain ambitious in acquisitions. A Chukwuemeka deal could push their total past €120 million.
5. Chukwuemeka is the second player of Nigerian descent Chelsea have moved on after academy evaluation, joining Ruben Loftus-Cheek in that category; both were once considered future midfield stars for the senior Eagles.