Chelsea in advanced stages of deal to sign midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig - Paper Round

Chelsea's summer spending may not be over yet as reports suggest Enzo Maresca's side are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons. Elsewhere in Sunday's Paper Round, Arsenal could capture the signature of Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze in the coming weeks, and Everton are close to signing Liverpool and Chelsea target Malick Fofana, who is currently on the books of Lyon.

Blues stepping up interest in Simons

Chelsea are moving in on the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, claims a report in the Mail.

The former Barcelona midfielder is expected to leave the Bundesliga club this summer after they missed out on a place in the UEFA Champions League this term.

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RB Leipzig are "said to be seeking a fee of £60 million to secure his services a year later," reads the article.

"Negotiations between the two clubs' representatives are thought to be progressing well, with talks over personal terms also advanced, according to Fabrizio Romano."

Arsenal hope to land Eze soon

Arsenal hope to land Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in the coming weeks.

The Gunners confirmed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CF on Saturday - but their business does not appear to be finished there.

The Independent reports: "Mikel Arteta‘s side are Eze's top choice, as has previously been reported by The Independent, and those close to the player are confident a deal will be done in the next few weeks.

"Arsenal are hoping to agree a fee that comes to £60m, rather than the reported £68m clause, although on terms that are also amenable to Palace.

"Although there has not yet been any formal contact between the two clubs, the suggestions are that both will be flexible, amid good relations between the two boardrooms.

"The Independent has previously reported that Arsenal were constructing a deal that they hoped could be split into three instalments of £20m each.

"Arsenal's preference would be to sell a player before they move on to the Eze deal, but it is understood the signing is not contingent on that.

"There is a possibility Reiss Nelson could be included in any deal."

‘Flying start’ - Eze stuns Man City inside eight minutes at the Etihad

Video credit: TNT Sports

Liverpool & Chelsea target could join Everton

Liverpool and Chelsea target Malick Fofana could end up joining Everton, claims a report in Metro.

The Lyon winger had been linked with a move to Everton's rivals The Reds as well as Chelsea.

But he could be plying his trade at Hill Dickinson Stadium, if reports are to be believed.

The article states: "Everton have reportedly made a surprise offer worth €36m (£31.5m) plus add-ons to sign Chelsea and Liverpool transfer target Malick Fofana.

"The Toffees could reach an agreement with French club Lyon ‘fairly quickly’ in a stunning transfer twist, French outlet L’Equipe reported on Saturday.

"Everton and Lyon are currently in club-to-club talks while David Moyes’ side are also discussing personal terms with Fofana ahead of a possible move.

"Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Fulham had also expressed an interest in Fofana while Bayern Munich, Napoli and RB Leipzig were keen on him too."

Brentford open to selling Wissa

Brentford are open to selling Newcastle United target Yoane Wissa, according to The Sun.

Eddie Howe has been dealing with speculation that Alexander Isak wants to leave the club, but he is also determined to add to his squad and Wissa is said to be under consideration.

"Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford to join Newcastle so he can realise his Champions League dream," states the outlet.

"The Magpies are keen on the DR Congo striker and had a £25 million bid rejected for him last week.

"They are believed to value Wissa, 28, at around £30m, which is below The Bees’ valuation.

"Brentford do not need to sell, having already flogged Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United for £71m.

"They were not planning on letting all their big-hitters go this summer, having already sold Christian Norgaard to Arsenal for £11m and lost head coach Thomas Frank to Spurs, along with several backroom staff.

"But that does not mean they have ruled out selling Wissa and at this point SunSport understands all options are open."

'It's criminal defending' - Wissa bundles home Brentford opener against Everton

Video credit: TNT Sports

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