Chelsea Eyes Xavi Simons Transfer Breakthrough as RB Leipzig Dangles Player Swap Opportunity
German club RB Leipzig are allegedly pursuing a return move for their former striker Christopher Nkunku through a complex exchange arrangement as Chelsea actively pursue Xavi Simons.
The 22-year-old Simons carries an estimated price tag of approximately £60 million ($80.5 million) according to Leipzig's valuation, though the German outfit also desires their ex-French forward plus additional financial compensation in any potential swap with Chelsea, according to The Telegraph. The precise framework of such a transaction, including Leipzig's monetary demands, remains uncertain, but it could provide the Blues with a straightforward solution to offload the Frenchman while securing a player that Enzo Maresca appears to desire.
Chelsea initially secured Nkunku's services in June 2023 for £52 million ($69.8 million) from Leipzig following two outstanding Bundesliga seasons where he netted 36 times and recorded 17 assists between 2021–2023.
However, the French international struggled to make his mark at Stamford Bridge, adding to Chelsea's list of disappointing acquisitions from Germany's premier division, alongside Kai Havertz and Timo Werner. Over the previous two campaigns, Nkunku featured in 38 matches, managing only six goals and two assists.
He showed greater promise in the UEFA Conference League last term with eight goal involvements across nine appearances, yet never established himself in a consistent role. The versatile forward has been utilized as a central striker, support striker, creative midfielder, and wide player on either flank. Nkunku did feature in six of Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup fixtures this summer.
His disappointing form prompted Chelsea to strengthen their attacking options by acquiring former Ipswich Town and Brighton and Hove Albion talents Liam Delap and João Pedro respectively. Both newcomers have made impressive early impressions at Stamford Bridge, contributing to the Blues' FIFA Club World Cup success and finding the net during preseason preparations.
Simons offers comparable flexibility to Nkunku but operates primarily as an attacking midfielder. The Dutch international started 25 Bundesliga fixtures last campaign, contributing 10 goals and seven assists as Leipzig secured seventh place. Simons would enhance the depth and quality of a forward line featuring Jamie Gittens, Estêvão, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto across the attacking positions.
Benjamin Šeško's recent transfer from RB Leipzig to Manchester United likely influences the club's need for additional forward reinforcement should Simons also depart. Loïs Openda appears set to lead the attack, but the Slovenian and Belgian frequently partnered together last season in a dual-striker formation. Reacquiring Nkunku could enable the German side to maintain a similar tactical approach while welcoming back a player who excelled during his previous stint.
RB Leipzig have also been connected with Liverpool's Harvey Elliott during this transfer window.