Chelsea are pushing hard to secure the signing of Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and have proposed including two players in the deal to lower the Bundesliga club’s £60 million asking price.
Nkunku & George Included as Chelsea Push for Xavi Simons Signing
Eager to add the talented 21-year-old to their squad before the transfer window closes, the Blues have already spent significantly this summer but see Simons as a key target.
Negotiations with Leipzig are ongoing, and Chelsea’s strategy involves reducing the cash outlay by offering players.
According to reports, Chelsea specifically mentioned Christopher Nkunku during talks. The Blues believe Leipzig, who sold Nkunku to Chelsea for £52m in 2023, retain an interest in the forward.
Despite a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge following his Bundesliga Player of the Season award-winning campaign in Germany, Chelsea still value Nkunku around £40m. Including him would significantly offset Simons’ fee.
Additionally, Leipzig have shown interest in Chelsea’s promising 19-year-old academy graduate, Tyrique George.
The winger, at Chelsea since he was eight and a Conference League winner with the first-team squad last season, is reportedly open to exploring opportunities for more playing time.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggests Chelsea are willing to include George as part of the Simons package.
Securing the Simons deal likely hinges on player sales. Striker Nicolas Jackson has been made available, with Chelsea reducing their initial £80m demand to attract interest, notably from Newcastle United who are seeking attacking reinforcements.
As they prepare for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, Chelsea continue to pursue Simons aggressively, using Nkunku and George as significant bargaining chips to bring the highly-rated Netherlands international to Stamford Bridge.
The club also maintains interest in Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
