Chelsea are facing competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City in the race for RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.
Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Simons, who has also been linked with Bayern Munich.
However, on Monday, it emerged that City have now entered the fray for Simons’ signature. The 22-year-old is not the only attacker the Blues are interested in, though.
Chelsea have also identified Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho as a key target and are expected to make an offer for him before the transfer window closes.
Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, applauds the fans
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Chelsea are Xavi Simons’ ‘priority’
The good news for Chelsea is that Stamford Bridge still appears to be Simons‘ preferred destination this summer despite City’s interest.
According to football.london, while Pep Guardiola’s side have joined the race for the attacking midfielder, a move to Chelsea remains his “priority”.
If Simons does go on to join the Club World Cup winners, he will link up with Netherlands teammate Jorrel Hato.
Chelsea signed Hato from Ajax last month, and the 19-year-old could be a very important player for Enzo Maresca this season following Levi Colwill’s injury.
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Hato spent most of the previous campaign playing at left-back, but the Dutchman can also start in central defence. Former Chelsea defender Winston Bogarde actually thinks centre-back is Hato’s best position.
Xavi Simons in training for RB Leipzig ahead of a Champions League match.
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What RB Leipzig have asked Chelsea about during talks
While Chelsea are interested in Simons, Leipzig are also thought to be interested in a couple of the Blues’ players.
It has been reported that Leipzig have been following Tyrique George, who is likely to struggle for game time if he remains at Stamford Bridge.
Football.london’s report has also claimed that Leipzig have enquired about Christopher Nkunku. The 27-year-old was not a starter at Chelsea last season and that will not change in the new campaign, especially if the Conference League holders go on to sign Simons.
That is another attacker Nkunku will have to compete against, with the Frenchman already battling the likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro for a spot in the team.