Chelsea’s summer transfer plans have a double target in sight: while pushing for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, the Blues are also keeping tabs on Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho. If they can offload players like Christopher Nkunku, a double signing could be on the cards.
The 22-year-old Dutchman Simons is Chelsea’s top priority, with the club set to make an initial bid. Though Bayern Munich and Arsenal are interested, Simons prefers a move to the Premier League, and personal terms are close to being agreed. His transfer fee is likely to be under £60 million – below Leipzig’s £70 million valuation from January 2023 (when a deal with PSG collapsed, as add-ons weren’t met).
Up front, Chelsea are bracing for Nkunku’s exit, which has put United’s Garnacho on their radar. If Nicolas Jackson also leaves (far from certain), new signing João Pedro could shift to the No.9 role, increasing the need for Garnacho to add attacking depth.
Defensive reinforcements are also in motion: talks with Ajax over Jorrel Hato are progressing, with personal terms unlikely to be a hurdle. The fee is the key – clubs expect it to land between £35-45 million, down from Ajax’s £60 million asking price in January, with Liverpool lurking as a rival.
Selling fringe players to fund new signings is Chelsea’s strategy. Can a successful clear-out pave the way for a Simons-Garnacho double deal? As the transfer window ticks down, the Blues’ ability to balance sales and signings will be put to the test.
