Chelsea, Leipzig Near Swap Deal for Xavi Simons, Nkunku

Chelsea is actively pursuing a swap deal with RB Leipzig that would see Xavi Simons join the Premier League club while Christopher Nkunku returns to Leipzig. Nkunku, who joined Chelsea from Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, has struggled with injuries and form, leading Chelsea to consider offloading him to reduce their wage bill. Leipzig, needing a striker after selling Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, are keen to bring back Nkunku and have been negotiating with Chelsea, who are looking to include Nkunku in the Simons deal to lower the transfer fee. Simons, valued by Leipzig at around €70 million, has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, who value Nkunku at approximately €46 million, potentially making the deal a player-plus-cash arrangement. Alongside this, Chelsea is also interested in signing Alejandro Garnacho and is addressing squad needs following the injury of Levi Colwill, while Nicolas Jackson's departure is expected. Both clubs and players appear motivated to finalize this transfer before the end of the summer window, with Chelsea aiming to bolster their attacking options and Leipzig to fill the striker vacancy.