Xavi Simons to Chelsea transfer delay explained as new Christopher Nkunku option emerges

Enzo Maresca will be keen to finalise any remaining transfer business before the new Premier League season gets underway. Chelsea could have a new face or two in the squad when they host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues have forked out almost £250m on new players this summer, but they've shown no sign of slowing down. Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho continue to be heavily linked with moves to west London, while Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson face uncertain futures.

The Blues also need to offload the likes of Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling in the coming weeks. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea transfer news.

Inter consider Chelsea swoop

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Inter Milan have expressed an interest in signing Christopher Nkunku.

The report claims that the Italian giants are currently prioritising a move for Ademola Lookman, who recently submitted a transfer request at Atalanta.

It's said that Inter have already agreed personal terms on a long-term deal with the former Everton and Fulham forward, but the two Serie A clubs are yet to agree on a fee. Plettenberg adds that Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also keen Nkunku.

football.london says: "If I was Christopher Nkunku, I'd go back to the Bundesliga. While the Chelsea forward would probably tear up the Serie A, he enjoyed his best football in the German top-flight."

Simons to Chelsea delay explained

According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Chelsea remain interested in signing Xavi Simons this summer.

The journalist claimed that the Blues are still working on a deal to sign the attacking midfielder from RB Leipzig as Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options.

It's said that the two clubs are currently negotiating a fee. Simons, who sees his contract at the Red Bull Arena expire in June 2027, featured in the Bundesliga outfit's 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat to RC Lens on Saturday afternoon.

football.london says: "I think Chelsea will eventually sign Xavi Simons. The Blues are probably waiting to offload Christopher Nkunku, while RB Leipzig are probably lining up a replacement for their talisman. Win-win for both parties. There's no rush."

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