Xavi Simons open to Chelsea transfer after initial approach as Enzo Maresca eyes another attacker

According to The Telegraph, Simons is open to joining Chelsea. However, before the Premier League club can sanction a transfer for yet another attacker, they will first have to sell. The Blues also have their eyes on Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Fermin Lopez from Barcelona.

The players in Chelsea's attack who could exit the club include Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and Nicolas Jackson. Nkunku has looked unsettled in England and saw his game time reduced under Enzo Maresca last season. Felix, meanwhile, has attracted interest from his former club Benfica, and Jackson is being linked with Manchester United.

Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been charged by the FA over an anti-doping breach, remains provisionally suspended, facing a possible lengthy ban. This might prompt Chelsea to try and offload the player this summer. Chelsea ideally want nine players competing for attacking roles in the new campaign, and Simons is at the top of their agenda if they decide to strengthen further.

Eno Maresca's side will play a couple of pre-season friendlies at home on August 8 and 10 against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan respectively. Chelsea open their new Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace on August 17.