Xavi Simons transfer hint speaks volumes as Chelsea consider £69m move

Xavi Simons has emerged as a target for Chelsea between now and the end of the summer transfer window, football.london understands.

The Blues are preparing for life without Christopher Nkunku, who looks set to leave the club at some point over the next 44 days - the amount of time left before the September 1 transfer deadline. Nothing is advanced in terms of the French forward departing Stamford Bridge but sources say the 27-year-old has made his intentions clear to the Blues, who will not stand in his way should a suitable offer arrive.

Manchester United have shown an interest in Nkunku but it remains to be seen whether Ruben Amorim's side will follow through with that after agreeing a big-money move for Bryan Mbeumo earlier this week, on top of the fact they have already brought Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford. Bayern Munich, too, have shown a keen interest in the versatile Chelsea forward, who impressed for the Blues in the FIFA Club World Cup final win against his former club Paris Saint-Germain, but the German champions' attention - at the minute, at least - seems to be firmly on bringing an out-and-out left winger to the Allianz Arena.

Chelsea are in absolutely no rush to offload Nkunku, but are aware that he could well be on the move in the coming weeks. So the Blues are looking elsewhere just in case and Simons has emerged as an option. The 22-year-old RB Leipzig attacker has long been on the west Londoners' radar but there is a feeling he could leave the Red Bull Arena before the summer transfer window closes.

In fact, Simons more than opened the door to leaving this summer when doing an interview in April. When asked about the possibility of leaving Leipzig, Simons said: "I'm still a young player, I have many dreams and the club knows that. But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games."

Reports in Germany claim Simons could be available for €80million (£69.3million) - a price Chelsea would look to decrease if the two clubs ended up conducting business. The Netherlands international is a natural No.10 but can also be used from either wing - in a similar vein to Morgan Rogers, another target of Chelsea's.

The Blues are enormous admirers of the 22-year-old England attacker but striking a deal this summer looks to be complicated. Aston Villa do not want Rogers to leave the club, but would reportedly consider an offer in the region of £80million. Joe Shields, a former youth scout at Manchester City, is said to be a huge fan of the exciting Villa talent.

Alejandro Garnacho is also someone who has not escaped the club's radar. The Argentine is looking for a move away from Manchester United this summer and Chelsea are keeping their options open over a possible move.

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