Chelsea’s Move for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho Stalls as Transfer Roadblocks Emerge Before New Premier League Season

Chelsea’s Move for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho Stalls as Transfer Roadblocks Emerge Before New Premier League Season

Chelsea’s busy summer transfer business could yet have two major new arrivals, but their ambitious double swoop for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho is being slowed down by the uncertain futures of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are working hard to bring RB Leipzig star Simons and Manchester United’s young winger Garnacho to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes. However, the deals are complicated by the need to free up both space in the squad and funds to comply with financial rules.

One key development is that Christopher Nkunku — who joined Chelsea from Leipzig last summer but endured an injury-hit debut season — is in talks with Bayern Munich over a potential move. Romano says those discussions are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached yet. Chelsea are also open to moving on striker Nicolas Jackson, with Newcastle United among the clubs linked, but so far, there have been no formal offers for the Senegal international.

The west London side have already been one of the Premier League’s most active clubs this summer. New signings include young forward Liam Delap from Manchester City, winger Jamie Gittens, promising defender Jorrel Hato, and forward Joao Pedro from Brighton. Yet despite this activity, Chelsea’s recruitment team is pushing for further attacking reinforcements — and Simons and Garnacho are top of the list.

Simons, 21, enjoyed a standout season at Leipzig last year, contributing goals and assists from midfield and wide positions. His pace, skill, and ability to unlock defences have caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs. Garnacho, meanwhile, is already a fan favourite at Old Trafford and one of United’s brightest young stars, known for his fearless dribbling and knack for producing big moments in important games.

Chelsea see the pair as players who could add flair, creativity, and unpredictability to Enzo Maresca’s squad. But before they can make serious moves, the “domino effect” in the transfer market must take place — and that starts with Nkunku and Jackson finding new clubs.

The timing is far from ideal for Chelsea. Their Premier League campaign kicks off this weekend with a London derby against Crystal Palace, followed by another two capital clashes against West Ham and Fulham. Manager Enzo Maresca would prefer to have his squad settled before the season begins, but given the complexity of these negotiations, it’s likely the pursuits of Simons and Garnacho will drag into the final days — or even hours — of the transfer window.

Chelsea fans will be watching closely, hoping their club can pull off what would be two of the biggest deals of the summer. But as things stand, the Blues’ hopes rest on whether they can offload at least one of their current attacking stars to make room for the exciting talents of Simons and Garnacho.