Chelsea’s push to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig has hit a major obstacle, with the Bundesliga club unwilling to sanction a deal under current terms.

The Blues have already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old Dutch international and had been hoping to secure his services for under £52m.

However, Leipzig are holding firm at a valuation closer to £60m, creating a significant gap in negotiations.

A potential player-plus-cash deal involving Christopher Nkunku has also been floated, but talks remain stalled.

Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer issued a blunt update on the midfielder’s future, saying:

“We make all our decisions based on sporting and economic criteria. When it has been beneficial for all parties, we have facilitated player transfers in the past.

“Currently, that is not the case, and if nothing changes, Xavi will remain an RB Leipzig player.”

Simons underlined his importance to Leipzig by playing a starring role in their DFB Pokal opener, scoring and assisting in a 4-2 win over Sandhausen.

Chelsea now risk losing out on the versatile midfielder, with Manchester City monitoring developments and considering a hijack.

Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca’s side, despite spending over £240m this summer, endured a frustrating start to their Premier League campaign with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.