Chelsea move goalposts on £61m Xavi Simons transfer by targeting swap deal

Chelsea could include Christopher Nkunku in any deal for Red Bull Leipzig forward Xavi Simons as the Blues step up their chase of the Dutch star. Nkunku joined Chelsea from Leipzig for around £53m in 2023 but the Frenchman has struggled to nail down a first team spot in the squad, while he has also struggled with injuries.

He could now be set for a return to his old club after failing to settle in west London, according to the Guardian, who say the Bundesliga side are interested in a reunion. Nkunku emerged as one of Europe's most exciting attackers during his time in Germany. He scored 70 goals from 172 appearances, including a high of 35 in one season after a prolific 2021-22 campaign.

But he hasn't hit the mark at Chelsea as he scored three goals in each of the two Premier League seasons he's had so far - though he did show his quality by netting 15 in all competitions last season.

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It will be even harder for Nkunku to get game time at the Bridge after the club signed forwards Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. He could be the key to securing Simons, who has become the next big transfer target for Chelsea in this window.

Leipzig have already lost Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United and know they risk losing Simons too and must sign attacking replacements.

They are believed to see Nkunku as the man to fill that void and could negotiate a swap deal for the two players. Chelsea value Nkunku at around £40m despite his nightmare Stamford Bridge spell.

The Guardian's report says talks are ongoing over a £61m deal for Simons. The Dutch international only joined Leipzig permanently in January after two loan stints and Chelsea may have to pay a "sizeable fee" on top if they want to get their man.

Nkunku had previously been a target for Manchester United as Ruben Amorim searched for a new attacker, but the Red Devils now have Sesko in their ranks so will no longer need to follow up on their interest.

Chelsea could also sell Nicolas Jackson this summer to balance the books but are quoting teams around £80m for the Senegalese star.

Manager Enzo Maresca still wants to add more attacking talent on top of Simons as he chases a move for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, who is out of favour at Old Trafford after falling out of favour with Amorim.

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