Chelsea Face Double Blow in Xavi Simons Pursuit as RB Leipzig Reject Swap Proposal

Chelsea’s summer transfer window ambitions have hit a fresh snag as the club’s pursuit of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons encounters resistance from multiple directions. While the Blues have been in talks to bring the Dutch forward to Stamford Bridge since late July, the deal has proven far more complicated than initially expected — and new competition from Manchester City has only intensified the challenge.

According to Standard Sport, Chelsea have explored the possibility of sending Christopher Nkunku back to Leipzig as part of a wider negotiation. The French forward, who joined the Blues from Leipzig last summer, remains admired at Stamford Bridge but has struggled to secure a consistent starting role under Enzo Maresca. Sources close to the player suggest he is open to a move away in search of regular football, though he would prefer to play at Champions League level next season.

However, Leipzig are reportedly unconvinced by Chelsea’s proposal. Sky Germany reports that the Bundesliga side are not interested in taking Nkunku back on a permanent deal, and would only consider a loan arrangement — a stance that complicates the Blues’ hopes of structuring the move as a part-exchange. Chelsea have also floated the idea of including Carney Chukwuemeka and young attacker Tyrique George in related but separate transfers, though it remains to be seen whether Leipzig would entertain those options.

This reluctance from Leipzig is a setback for Chelsea, who have already invested heavily in attacking reinforcements this summer. The club has signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens for a combined fee that could rise to £142 million, alongside securing Brazilian prodigy Estevão for the future. Despite this influx of talent, Maresca views Simons as a key addition — a versatile forward who can play across the front line and who produced an impressive 10 goals and 7 assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances last season.

Yet Chelsea’s biggest obstacle might not be Leipzig’s position — it could be Manchester City. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that City have held discussions with Simons’ representatives, including super-agent Ali Barat, as they weigh a move for the 19-year-old. Their interest hinges on the potential departure of Brazilian winger Savinho, with Tottenham already in talks for his services.

For Simons, the Etihad could represent a more appealing destination. With Jack Grealish and Savinho both potentially leaving, City could offer a clearer path to regular minutes. In contrast, Chelsea’s attack is already crowded, and despite the club’s willingness to offload certain forwards — including the possibility of selling Newcastle-linked Nicolas Jackson — there is no guarantee of a starting spot.

Chelsea’s determination to reshape their forward line is evident. Alongside their Simons pursuit, the club is keeping tabs on Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, who is reportedly open to a move amid ongoing contract talks at Old Trafford. However, if the right outgoings cannot be secured, players like Jackson — who has been left out of recent pre-season friendlies against AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen — could yet be reintegrated into the squad.

The Simons saga now stands at a delicate point. Chelsea must navigate Leipzig’s reluctance, balance their own squad reshaping, and contend with the lure of Manchester City’s project. The Dutchman’s quality and adaptability make him an attractive target for both clubs, but with the transfer window ticking down, the Blues risk watching another high-profile pursuit slip away.