Although Chelsea are pushing forward with negotiations for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, even if they manage to sign the Dutchman, the Blues are still keeping an eye on Alejandro Garnacho's situation.
Chelsea are set to make a first offer for Leipzig star Xavi Simons in a bid to sign him. Simons is close to agreeing personal terms with the Blues, but he is also in talks with other clubs, with Bayern Munich and Arsenal also showing interest in him.
The 22-year-old currently prioritizes a move to the Premier League, and his transfer fee is likely to be less than £60 million.
This is the case despite Leipzig reaching an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over a £70 million transfer fee last January. The deal was structured as a fixed amount of £44 million plus £26 million in add-ons.
Most of the bonuses have not been paid, which is why Leipzig are prepared to sell him at a price closer to Simons' current market value.
Chelsea hope to sign another forward as they expect Christopher Nkunku to leave. Manchester United's Garnacho remains a notable name for the Blues in the transfer market.
If Nicolas Jackson also leaves, then João Pedro may feature more in the No. 9 position he is more comfortable in, and there could even be a scenario where Chelsea sign both Simons and Garnacho.
Arsenal are also interested in Simons but have not yet opened talks over a transfer. Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze remains a target for the Gunners, with contact having been made regarding the player.
Crystal Palace's stance is that they want Eze's £68 million release clause to be paid, but it remains to be seen whether this position will soften as the transfer window progresses.
Chelsea are also actively looking to sign a new defender and have opened inter-club talks with Ajax over Jorrel Hato's transfer.
Fresh talks were held with the player's side last week, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
Liverpool are also interested in the defender, with clubs hoping his transfer fee will be between £35 million and £45 million, despite Ajax insisting on an asking price close to £60 million when suitors enquired last January.
