One player Chelsea are interested in looks like he could be on the move this summer.
Chelsea are likely to be busy when the transfer window opens as they continue to be linked with several attackers.
For example, Chelsea are keen on Hugo Ekitike, who would bolster their options up front if he moves to Stamford Bridge.
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker, though, is not the only Bundesliga star who is currently on the Blues’ radar.
Xavi Simons unsure about future
Chelsea have also been monitoring Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig, and a transfer in the summer does not seem impossible.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Leipzig could sell Simons for €80m (£68.5m), while the attacking midfielder has told Plettenberg’s employers Sky in an interview that his future is undecided.
“I’m still a young player, I have many dreams — and the club knows that,” Simons said. “But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games. Then we have the international matches, and after that we’ll sit down and see what happens.”
Enzo Maresca may very well need to bring in a new No.10 when the transfer market reopens.
Christopher Nkunku could join Bayern Munich, while Joao Felix’s long-term future at Chelsea is in serious doubt despite the 25-year-old only arriving last summer.
It means Cole Palmer could find himself as the only attacking midfielder in Maresca’s squad, and he alone will not be enough for a full campaign.
Chelsea, however, are not going to get a free run at Simons if they do decide to go after the Dutch youngster.
Chelsea’s competitors for Xavi Simons
Chelsea will face competition from some of their Premier League rivals for Simons’ signature.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have made it their mission to sign the 21-year-old this summer.
The likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are also thought to be interested in Simons. It is why qualifying for the Champions League is pivotal for Chelsea this season.
Without Champions League football, the Blues could find themselves at a real disadvantage in any potential transfer battle.
And with Maresca’s men currently in seventh, missing out on Europe’s elite competition looks like a real possibility. They really need to beat Fulham when they travel to Craven Cottage Sunday afternoon.
