Chelsea and Leipzig have discussed Christopher Nkunku in talks for Xavi Simons, talkSPORT understands.
Leipzig has shown interest in re-signing the French forward, who transferred to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for £52 million after netting 70 goals in 152 games in Germany.
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Chelsea valued Nkunku at £60m in January when Bayern made an enquiry.
Their asking price hasn’t dropped significantly due to not wanting to sell Nkunku at a book loss.
However, with Nkunku keen on a move away due to limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge, a club-to-club agreement is understood to be possible.
It will then all depend on whether Nkunku wants to return to Leipzig, especially in a season without any European football.
Tyrique George and Carney Chukwuemeka are two other names Leipzig have raised during talks over Simons.
Any deal for Nkunku or another Chelsea player would be a separate transfer to Xavi.
There is a connection since Chelsea is looking to offload both Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to make room for Xavi and Manchester United’s winger Alejandro Garnacho.
What are the finances involved for a Xavi Simons transfer?
Leipzig have been holding out for close to €70m, while Chelsea have been trying for a deal south of €60m.
Simons only joined Leipzig from PSG permanently in January for €50m with a further €30m in add-ons.
Key to any final valuation is exactly how many of those bonuses have been paid.
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Xavi is sold on a move to Chelsea and waiting to see whether the clubs can come to an agreement.
Garnacho is also expecting to switch to Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United want £50m, but Chelsea are hoping to strike a deal for less with the window closing soon and United focused on outgoings.
What is Ally McCoist’s verdict on Garnacho to Chelsea?
However, Rangers icon and talkSPORT host Ally McCoist is not convinced Garnacho to Chelsea is a wise move.
“I think Man United are desperately trying to get rid of him,” McCoist said.
“And I just don’t think Chelsea need him at this moment in time.”
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McCoist has noted that Chelsea is actively seeking new attacking options as they sold Noni Madueke to Arsenal and have seen Jadon Sancho return to Manchester United.
The Blues are also without Mykhailo Mudryk, who was charged with violating anti-doping rules in June.
However, Chelsea boss Maresca is instead targeting new faces for his defence after Levi Colwill was lost to a long-term injury.
Following their 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen last Friday, Maresca highlighted the importance of acquiring a new centre-back to replace the departed Colwill as ‘a priority’.
“What we achieved last season is because of him,” Maresca said.
“He played all the games with me, I love him, we’re going to miss him.”
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