Despite a host of new attackers coming through the door at Chelsea already this summer, the Blues are pushing to make another big signing in the coming days.
Xavi Simons has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, even though the likes of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens have already been confirmed as new players.
Simons is very keen on a move to the Blues, even though there is interest from Bayern Munich in performing a late hijack of the potential signing.
The Blues may have an advantage over any rivals for a deal due to Leipzig’s interest in signing Carney Chukwuemeka, who they are happy to move on from this summer.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRB Leipzig want to make a profit on Chelsea target Xavi Simons
After spending 18 months on loan at the Bundesliga side, it is easy to forget that Simons only moved permanently in January for an initial £43m.
Even though Leipzig are open to accepting an offer for the Netherlands international, they are not going to make things easy in the negotiations with the Blues.
According to ESPN, the German side are expecting to make a profit on the attacker this summer, and are actually holding out for around £52m to part ways with him this summer.
The actual amount is likely not difficult for the club to reach, given the fact that they have just earned around £90m from competing in the Club World Cup.
The deal would end up costing the Blues a similar fee to what they have just spent to bring in Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, however they can subsidise this amount with player sales which are reported to be on the cards.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesChelsea expected to sell to fund Simons signing
With Maresca wanting eight or nine options in attack next season, a number of players will need to depart even after the sale of Noni Madueke.
It has been reported that Christopher Nkunku is attracting interest from a number of sides, with Nottingham Forest registering interest in recent days.
There is also hope at the club that they will part ways with Joao Felix, however they have currently not receIved a financial offer that satisfies them.
Felix is keen on a move to Benfica, however it was previously stated that Chelsea would prefer to sell him to Saudi Arabia due to the guaranteed transfer fee likely being higher.