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Chelsea are looking to get nine individual pieces of business completed before next week's transfer deadline. The window closes at 7pm (UK time) on Monday, September 1, with the Blues now racing against the clock in order to provide Enzo Maresca with his dream squad for the 2025/26 season that got underway recently.
It is no secret Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. Direct club-to-club talks started over a month ago, but have proven complicated with the Blues looking to offload a host of players before pushing forward in negotiations. Simons has a broad agreement on personal terms with Chelsea, football.london understands, and his entourage remain confident a deal will eventually be completed.
Bringing Simons in could rely heavily on what happens with Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman, who plays in a similar position to Simons, wants to leave Stamford Bridge before next week's deadline and has interest from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. Bayern, though, prefer a loan while Chelsea are demanding a permanent solution.
Nicolas Jackson is in a similar sort of situation to Nkunku, with the striker looking to explore his options regarding a move away from west London. The signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer has meant Jackson has fallen down the pecking order and Chelsea, while happy for the No.15 to stay at the club, will sell for the right price.
Aston Villa are interested in Jackson but there is a feeling the Midlands club need to sell before they buy this summer. Newcastle United also have a keen interest in the 24-year-old striker but their attention looks to be elsewhere at the moment, after having a £50million offer for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen turned down on Monday. Bayern Munich have too expressed an interest in Jackson, who appears to be keen on moving to the German champions.
A sizeable fee for Jackson and Nkunku will help with potential incomings and Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United is expected to become one of them. Talks between Chelsea and United are advancing, football.london understands, with the 21-year-old winger having his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
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Bayern Munich proposed a loan offer to the Argentine's camp but the player insisted it was only Chelsea he wanted to join. The Blues do not want to pay more than £30million for Garnacho, while United value him at around the £50million-mark, but negotiations were described as 'advanced' last week. Very much 'watch this space' regarding Garnacho to Chelsea.
If Garnacho was to come in, then it could spell the end of Tyrique George's time at Chelsea. The 19-year-old winger broke into the first team last season but there is a feeling his pathway might be blocked following the arrival of Jamie Gittens and then the prospective one of Garnacho - not to mention Joao Pedro being an option there, and potentially Simons.
Elsewhere, Axel Disasi looks set to leave Chelsea. Numerous Premier League clubs are interested in the French defender, including Bournemouth, who have held talks over a loan move. Chelsea would prefer a permanent departure, but could accept a loan with a fee for Disasi, who is training away from the first team at the moment.
Chelsea are still trying to find a home for Ben Chilwell. The 28-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace but Chelsea want to find a permanent solution this summer. However, the left-back's wage demands could prove an issue on that front. Another loan move has not been ruled out for Chilwell.
Raheem Sterling is in a similar position. With the 30-year-old, though, numerous clubs - from the Premier League and overseas - have enquired about his situation. Fulham have shown an interest and have held talks with Sterling's entourage, but nothing is advanced regarding the former Liverpool and Manchester City winger.
Alfie Gilchrist is expected to leave before the transfer deadline in six days' time. The 21-year-old defender is looking forward to another chapter in his career and has multiple Championship clubs interested in his signature. A permanent deal is preferred by both Chelsea and Gilchrist.
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