Chelsea appear close to wrapping up a deal for Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons, with a breakthrough in talks with RB Leipzig expected following recent transfer developments in Germany.
Negotiations for the 22-year-old had been slowed while Leipzig concentrated on finalising Benjamin Šeško’s move to Manchester United. With that now complete, and Bayern Munich’s market activity reducing the level of competition, Chelsea are said to have a clearer route to push the deal through.
The Blues’ pursuit of Simons began around the same time they moved for Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato, who signed on 3 August as Enzo Maresca’s sixth summer arrival, following Jamie Gittens, João Pedro, Liam Delap, Dário Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr in a sweeping rebuild.
Funding for new signings has been helped by the departures of João Félix, Noni Madueke, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja, and Lesley Ugochukwu, alongside the financial boost from winning the FIFA Club World Cup.
Chelsea are also in discussions with Manchester United over Alejandro Garnacho, though differences in valuation remain. The Argentine winger is believed to be open to a Stamford Bridge move and is out of favour at Old Trafford, raising optimism that a deal could be completed.
Bringing in both Garnacho and Simons is expected to cost in excess of £100 million. To meet those demands, Chelsea are prepared to authorise at least two more first-team exits. Nicolas Jackson has been linked with Newcastle United, depending on the outcome of Alexander Isak’s situation, while Christopher Nkunku is drawing interest from overseas.
Newcastle are also considering Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Nigerian forward Samu Aghehowa should a move for Jackson not materialise.
If Chelsea secure Simons and Garnacho, Maresca would add further creativity and depth to his attacking unit ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
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