Chelsea supporters are anxiously waiting to see if they sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho before the summer transfer window closes.
It’s been a busy summer at Stamford Bridge so far, both for incomings and outgoings, but they have until 1 September to conclude any further business.
The Blues are still heavily linked with moves for Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, 22, and Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho, 21, right now.
Even though Chelsea have promised to launch an offer for Simons this summer, the attacking midfielder continues to keep his head down and play in Germany for Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Garnacho expects to join Chelsea before the summer window shuts and leave Man Utd, where he’s been frozen out of the picture. Chelsea’s directors all want to sign Garnacho and bring the skilful left-winger to West London, but the wait goes on to see if a deal can be wrapped up.
Alejandro Garnacho in a training session for Manchester United before a Europa League match.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Why Chelsea haven’t moved for Xavi Simons or Alejandro Garnacho yet
According to ESPN, the ‘leading reason’ that Chelsea haven’t moved for Garnacho or Simons yet is due to the need to comply with UEFA’s rules regarding profitability and squad-cost limits.
It is explained that clubs need to turn a profit in their ‘List A transfer balance’, which is the squad cost for those players selected in last season’s Conference League. Apparently, failure could mean that new signings can’t be registered for this season’s Champions League tournament.
The report adds that Chelsea must make room numerically in their European squad, plus satisfy this accountancy rule before looking to add new players. If the Blues sold the likes of Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku, it could massively help them out.
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Blues head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that Chelsea are looking to offload Jackson, while Nkunku is also part of the bomb squad training away from the main group while his future is sorted.
Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League match between RB Leipzig v Liverpool
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Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho would bring even more firepower to Chelsea’s attack
As seen in Chelsea’s 5-1 Premier League win away to West Ham on Friday night, there are plenty of quality options in attack for Maresca to choose from. They hit Graham Potter’s side for five even without Cole Palmer on the pitch.
However, Blues targets Simons and Garnacho would be exciting additions if they happen.
Player Club Appearances Goals Assists
Xavi Simons RB Leipzig 33 11 8
Alejandro Garnacho Manchester United 58 11 10
Xavi Simons vs Alejandro Garnacho in the 2024/25 season across all competitions
In terms of Simons, he’s an extremely versatile playmaker with the ability to play any attacking role behind the striker. The Dutchman is a creative star with great technique and a high football IQ.
As for Garnacho, it’s pretty clear that the Premier League proven speedster could push the likes of Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto on the left wing.