What Xavi Simons transfer means for two Chelsea stars as £97m mistake laid bare

Chelsea are exploring a deal to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this summer with talks now underway with the attacker's representatives.

football.london brought you the news on Monday that the Blues had opened talks with the 22-year-old's entourage over a possible move to Stamford Bridge. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with Simons said to be keen on moving to west London this summer.

RB Leipzig are said to be willing to sell the Netherlands international for €65million (£56million) before the window concludes on September 1. Chelsea will do their best to drive that fee down, though it appears to be quite modest when compared to other players in Simons' position. Chelsea, for instance, were reportedly quoted upwards of £80million for Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

Chelsea's interest in Simons is rather telling for two of Enzo Maresca's players. Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku, who were expected to leave regardless, are now destined for moves away from Stamford Bridge this summer. The duo, who cost Chelsea a combined £97million, play in a similar role to Simons, as well as summer signing Joao Pedro, and appear to have no future in SW6.

Felix completed a £45million switch from Atletico Madrid last summer and started off his second spell at Chelsea superbly well - scoring 12 minutes into his second debut as the Blues smashed six past Wolves at Molineux in August. However, the 25-year-old struggled for game time under Maresca. Felix ended up making just nine starts - with only three of them coming in the Premier League - and was sent out on loan to AC Milan in the January transfer window.

Milan decided not to pursue signing Felix on a permanent deal and it has left his future up in the air. A return to Benfica could be on the cards for the Portugal international but at the time of writing, nothing is too advanced on that front.

As for Nkunku, he has now spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea signed the Frenchman for £52million in the summer of 2023. His debut campaign at the Blues was dominated by injury problems but he managed to stay fit last term. Either way, Nkunku could not break into Maresca's first team despite a number of opportunities being given to him throughout the season.

The 27-year-old, though, still finished the season with 15 goals and five assists in 48 appearances across all competitions - meaning he is not short of potential suitors this summer. Manchester United enquired about the Frenchman but have since signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, while Bayern Munich's interest has never gone away.

The former RB Leipzig attacker has informed Chelsea he wishes to depart this summer, football.london understands, and while the club are in no rush to sell him, they will not stand in his way should a suitable offer arrive. While a deal for Simons is not advanced or even a guarantee, for that matter, the interest in the Dutchman tells you all you need to know about the futures of Felix and Nkunku.

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