Liverpool could inadvertently aid Chelsea’s pursuit of Xavi Simons over the coming weeks. The Blues have been strongly linked with the Netherlands international and could make a £60million swoop before the transfer window closes.
Talks between Chelsea and RB Leipzig are reportedly ongoing. However, it has emerged that the German club would prefer to sign a replacement before allowing Simons to leave. The 22-year-old is a key player for Leipzig. And that is where Liverpool may come in useful.
The Reds may offload fringe midfielder Harvey Elliott this summer to fund a string of further deals, including a new forward and a centre-back. Liverpool are said to value the England Under-21 international close to £50m. According to The Athletic, they have no great desire to sell.
Leipzig are reportedly interested in a move for Elliott, who made only five starts across all competitions last season. Signing the 22-year-old would give them the perfect replacement for Simons.
Once Leipzig complete a deal for Elliott, they would then be able to sell Simons to Chelsea. That would see the Blues improve Enzo Maresca’s squad and potentially challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title.
If the transfer happens, Simons would join a stacked group of attacking talent at Stamford Bridge. The former Paris Saint-Germain star will compete for a place in Maresca’s team with the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto.
And he could face further competition if Chelsea complete a move for Alejandro Garnacho. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have agreed personal terms with the Manchester United outcast, who has no future under Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.
Garnacho is said to have eyes only on Chelsea, having previously been linked with Aston Villa, Tottenham and clubs from across Europe. The 21-year-old will now desperately wait to see if Chelsea can agree a fee with United.
The Red Devils are reportedly holding out for around £50m, having already spent over £200m on attacking talent to replace the Argentina international. It remains unclear whether Chelsea are prepared to pay that much. The Stamford Bridge outfit have already spent over £230m this summer, and must have a positive transfer balance to register new signings in the Champions League.
Should Garnacho join Chelsea, he could link up with Simons in a new-look attack next season. Liverpool will have had an indirect hand in the Blues putting the duo together.