Chelsea push for Xavi Simons as Leipzig eye Nkunku return

Leipzig propose swap deal

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are putting in significant effort to secure RB Leipzig’s young star Xavi Simons, while the German side are considering an unusual swap arrangement in the negotiations. Leipzig’s management, who value Simons at £60 million, plan to bring back their former player Christopher Nkunku as part of the deal. While it is not yet clear how cash and player exchange would be balanced, it is noted that this proposal could fundamentally impact the squad planning of both clubs.

Injury-hit season limits Nkunku’s impact

Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for £52 million. However, a serious pre-season injury delayed his integration, and although he featured in as many as 48 matches across all competitions in 2024–25, registering 15 goals and 5 assists, he failed to lock down a permanent role. Nicolas Jackson’s consistent form further complicated Nkunku’s pathway to regular minutes.

Bayern and United interest cooled by Chelsea’s price tag

According to Sports Illustrated, Bayern Munich and Manchester United explored a potential move for Nkunku in January but withdrew when presented with Chelsea’s £65 million valuation.

Will Simons join Chelsea?

If Chelsea succeed in signing Xavi Simons, he is expected to start on the left wing in Enzo Maresca’s attacking quartet, with Pedro Neto likely to take the right flank, Cole Palmer operating as the central playmaker, and João Pedro leading the line. Simons blends elite football intelligence with consistent end product. He contributes not only through assists but also by scoring goals himself. His ability to read the game with clarity allows him to drift inside, link up with teammates, and exploit tight spaces with well-timed runs. With his technical sharpness, spatial awareness, and calm decision-making in the final third, he could bring a new layer to Chelsea’s attacking play. In Maresca’s system, built on structured positioning and quick vertical transitions as seen during his time at Leicester, Simons offers both fluid movement and decisive action. His inclusion could help Chelsea break down deep-lying defences and create a more balanced, versatile attacking shape.

This summer’s arrivals of João Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Estêvão from Palmeiras all point in that direction. The club is prioritising players who offer long-term value and tactical adaptability over short-term star appeal.

No change in direction, just a clearer roadmap

These moves reinforce rather than alter Chelsea’s transfer philosophy. After assembling the Premier League’s youngest squad over the past two seasons, the club remains committed to a youth-led model. Simons, with his potential and positional fluidity, fits seamlessly into that vision. Chelsea are not changing course. They are now executing their plans with greater clarity and intent.

Leipzig’s need for a striker

Following Benjamin Šeško’s transfer to Manchester United, Leipzig have been left with a significant gap in their forward line. Sky Sport Germany emphasises that if Simons also departs, the team’s attacking strength will be further weakened, and they will need a player who can support Loïs Openda and enable a switch to a two-striker system when required. Nkunku’s return is considered a critical move both for tactical fit and for reigniting excitement among the fans.