Chelsea get Xavi Simons transfer instruction as Premier League rival plots shock £30m swoop

Chelsea have a week or so to recharge their batteries before they're back in action. After storming past West Ham United at the London Stadium on Friday night, the Blues will turn their attention to another London derby.

Next weekend, Enzo Maresca's side will lock horns with Fulham at Stamford Bridge before the squad disperses for the international break. While Chelsea may fancy their chances against the Cottagers, they could be without Cole Palmer.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder appeared to suffer a minor groin injury in the build-up to the Hammers clash. Fortunately for the Blues, the summer transfer window doesn't shut until Monday, September 1, so they have plenty of time to bring in some last-minute cover.

So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea transfer news...

Aston Villa consider Nkunku bid

According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have contacted Chelsea to enquire about the availability of Christopher Nkunku. The report claims that the Blues forward has emerged as an option for Unai Emery's side as they look to bolster their attacking options before the transfer window shuts.

It's said that Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also keen on Nkunku. Romano has added that Villa, who have also shortlisted Nicolas Jackson and Marco Asensio, have been informed about the conditions of a potential deal for the France international.

football.london says: "If Unai Emery can get Christopher Nkunku to find the form he previously enjoyed at RB Leipzig then he will be a great signing for Aston Villa. This could be a good deal for all parties. Transfermarkt price the Frenchman at €35m/£30.3m, which seems fair."

Leipzig issue Simons update

Speaking to reporters after RB Leipzig's 6-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, Marcel Schafer insisted the Bundesliga outfit will not stop Xavi Simons from joining Chelsea – but a deal must be ‘right for everyone’.

The Leipzig sporting director said: "We are generally known for enabling players to take the next step. He has expressed his desire to take the next step. Basically, we’re open and won’t block any players. But only if all the parameters are right for everyone involved.

"And that hasn’t been the case so far. If we notice that things are going in a certain direction, then we’re prepared to take one or two players off. That really hasn’t been the case so far. And that’s why he played today."

football.london says: "Xavi Simons would be a good signing for Chelsea. I really hope that the Blues can get a deal wrapped up before the Fulham clash next weekend."

Flick stops Barcelona from selling Chelsea target

According to Spanish outlet Sport, higher-ups at the Camp Nou were planning to sell Fermin Lopez until Hansi Flick stepped in and 'vetoed' his departure. The report claims that Chelsea and Manchester United made 'dizzying' offers for the 22-year-old midfielder, forcing Barcelona to consider his exit.

With Flick 'desperate' to keep Lopez, the Catalan outfit rejected proposals in the region of £69.3m from the two Premier League clubs. Sport have stated that the Spain international will stay at Barcelona this summer.

football.london says: The Blues have been chasing Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons, meanwhile, the Red Devils have been in the market for a steely holding midfielder – not a technical attacking midfielder."

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