Chelsea have offered RB Leipzig two players in an attempt to reach a deal for the signing of Xavi Simons.
The Blues have already spent over £200 million this summer but are planning to complete more reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
Read: Pep Guardiola challenges Manchester United in battle for PL star worth £100m
Chelsea’s interest in Xavi Simons
Chelsea identified Simons as a target earlier in the summer and have held continuous talks with Leipzig over a deal.
Simons, a talented playmaker, has scored 21 goals in 76 appearances for the German club and has 28 caps for the Netherlands.
RB Leipzig value Simons at around £60 million, but Chelsea want to push the price down and are even willing to send a player the other way.
Players Chelsea are willing to trade
According to The Guardian, Chelsea have mentioned Christopher Nkunku in the negotiations and believe the German club could be interested in a deal for their £52 million signing.
Nkunku was named the Bundesliga’s best player and was the league’s top scorer before his unsuccessful spell at Stamford Bridge. The 27-year-old has been linked with Bayern Munich and several Premier League clubs over the past six months and wants a change of club to revive his career.
Despite his troubles in London, Chelsea still value Nkunku at around £40 million and are willing to add a significant sum for Simons.
RB Leipzig have also shown interest in Tyrique George, a Chelsea academy product who made his first-team debut last year and was on the bench when the club won the Conference League final against Real Betis.
The 19-year-old has been at Stamford Bridge since he was eight years old, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea are open to using him as part of the deal.
George has indicated that he is open to exploring opportunities this summer, as he knows that regular first-team football will be difficult to achieve next season.
Chelsea’s summer signings so far
- Jamie Gittens – £48 million from Borussia Dortmund
- João Pedro – £55 million from Brighton
- Liam Delap – £30 million from Ipswich Town
- Mamadou Sarr – £12 million from Lyon
- Dario Essugo – £18 million from Sporting CP
- Estevão Willian – £29 million from Palmeiras
- Kendry Páez – £17 million from Independiente del Valle
- Jorrel Hato – £37 million from Ajax
Depending on player sales
Through Chelsea’s big investment this summer, any deal for Simons will depend on player sales. Nicolas Jackson has also been put up for sale.
Jackson was previously linked with Manchester United before signing Benjamin Šeško for £74 million, and Newcastle have also shown interest.
The Carabao Cup winners have made it clear that Isak will not be sold, but Newcastle are still making some preparations in the event of a sudden departure.
Read on F7: Solskjaer has solid reinforcement in place from the Premier League
Chelsea originally set a price of £80 million for Jackson, but have already lowered this to generate interest.
Chelsea’s pre-season finale
Enzo Maresca’s side won 4-1 over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge in their last friendly before the Premier League kicks off this Friday.
Chelsea, who finished fourth last season, will start their 2025/26 season next Sunday against London rivals Crystal Palace.
