TBR Football understands that Chelsea are progressing with talks for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with Christopher Nkunku’s name coming up in talks to go the other way.
Simons has made it clear he wants to join Chelsea after they made an initial approach last week. Indeed, TBR Footballhas been informed by sources close to Xavi Simons that he has now informed other suitors that his mind is set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Chelsea’s top targets as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Xavi Simons in action for RB Leipzig
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
The two clubs are now locked in talks over a deal, with Leipzig wanting around £60million.
Exclusive: Christopher Nkunku offered to Leipzig as Xavi Simons talks progress
TBR Football can reveal through chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Christopher Nkunku’s name has come up in talks as his former club could offer him a route back to the Bundesliga.
However, it is believed Nkunku is considering his options. Italian champions Inter Milan have made contact in the last week.
Simons, for his part, is waiting for Chelsea to make an offer, but he believes that since no deal was involved in the pre-season clash with Atalanta, there is no urgency.
Bailey states: “Having landed Jorrel Hato, Chelsea are planning to bring in his compatriot Xavi Simons – I am told Chelsea are very excited by Simons and despite already having talents like Cole Palmer and Estevao, they are moving for him.
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Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images
“As TBR Football revealed, Morgan Rogers would be Chelsea’s top target, but getting him out of Aston Villa has proven too difficult. That said, they firmly believe Simons to be another enormous talent.
“Chelsea also insists that Alejandro Garnacho remains a player of interest, and they have not ruled out a deal for him and are keeping abreast of that situation. Garnacho would like to stay in the Premier League should, as expected, he leave Old Trafford.”
Nkunku moved from Leipzig to Chelsea in 2023
Nkunku moved to Stamford Bridge in 2023 for £52m, after a quite ludicrous goalscoring record in the Bundesliga.
“I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea,” Nkunku told the club’s website.
“A big effort was made to bring me to the club, and I am looking forward to meeting my new coach and teammates and showing the Chelsea supporters what I can do on the pitch.
“Having played in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I now want to play in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world.
“I am very excited for this challenge and will be proud to wear the Chelsea shirt.”
It hasn’t quite worked out for the Frenchman at Chelsea, and evidently, they are exploring ways to offload the 27-year-old.
Bayern Munich had an interest in Nkunku, so a return to the league in which he made his name is a viable possibility.