Chelsea are in talks with RB Leipzig over a potential swap deal involving Xavi Simons and Christopher Nkunku, according to sources. The Blues are looking to bring in the Netherlands forward, while Leipzig are keen on re-signing France striker Nkunku, who has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge since his £52m move in 2023.
Leipzig view Nkunku as a replacement for Benjamin Sesko, who joined Manchester United for £73.7m. Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Simons, 22, despite interest from Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga club signed Simons from Paris Saint-Germain in January for £43m, and he was expected to cost around £61m, but Chelsea are pushing to include Nkunku, valued at £40m, to reduce the fee.
Negotiations are ongoing, with Chelsea likely to pay a significant additional sum for the versatile attacker. Leipzig are also interested in Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. Meanwhile, Chelsea remain in talks with Manchester United over Alejandro Garnacho and are looking to sell Nicolas Jackson to balance the books.
Newcastle have shown interest in Jackson after missing out on Sesko, though they are waiting to see if Liverpool make a new bid for Alexander Isak. Jackson, 24, has fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro, and has expressed a desire to move. Chelsea had valued him at £80m but may accept around £65m. Both Nkunku and Jackson were left out of Friday’s friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.
