Chelsea’s summer transfer push is far from over, but there’s one catch — Christopher Nkunku must leave before any new arrivals.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nkunku’s exit will be “crucial” if the Blues are to accelerate moves for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.
🚨🔵 Christopher Nkunku’s exit will be crucial as reported since July in order for Chelsea to accelerate for Xavi Simons.
The plan has always been Nkunku and Jackson out, Xavi and Garnacho in. 🔗
Xavi, waiting for #CFC while talks for Nkunku to Bayern are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/bPPbkkS6ot
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2025
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy has already spent close to £250 million in this window, but Enzo Maresca still wants more firepower.
The plan, reportedly in place since July, has been clear — Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson out, Xavi and Garnacho in.
Talks are ongoing with Bayern Munich over Nkunku, while Simons is said to be waiting for Chelsea to make their move.
Garnacho, meanwhile, is reportedly open to joining but Manchester United’s £50 million price tag remains a stumbling block, with Chelsea reluctant to pay more than £30 million.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Could Chelsea sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho this summer?
It won’t be simple. Chelsea remain in contact with RB Leipzig over Simons, confident a deal can be struck before the deadline.
For Garnacho, the Blues are hoping United’s need to trim the squad — and the winger’s fall out of favor last season — will drive the price down.
There’s also a race against time. Premier League rules require players to be registered by midday on the last working day before they can play.
That means if Maresca wants either forward in the squad for Sunday’s opener against Crystal Palace, the paperwork must be done by Friday noon.
Chelsea could also get a small financial boost from Omari Hutchinson’s potential move to Nottingham Forest, with a sell-on clause worth around £9.4 million. That extra cash might just help fund a late push for Simons.
With just weeks left in the window, it’s now a game of football’s version of “beat the clock” — and Chelsea fans will be hoping the club scores twice before the final whistle.
