Chelsea transfer news: 'Direct contact' made for Arsenal target, but transfer from Bundesliga depends on sales

Published: July 21 2025 | 23:53

Last updated: July 22 2025 | 00:34

Blues make 'direct contact' with Gunners target but deal depends on sales

Chelsea are on the lookout for reinforcements following Noni Madueke's exit, and they reportedly make direct contact with a player regarding a transfer.

Chelsea have reportedly made direct contact with RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons, who was said to be a target of Arsenal this summer.

The Blues head into the 2025-26 season as champions of the world after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup earlier in July.

Manager Enzo Maresca will hope that his side's success can be a catalyst for their upcoming Premier League campaign, though he may need additional signings if he is to challenge domestic champions Liverpool.

After the exit of winger Noni Madueke to Arsenal, it would be no surprise if the Londoners looked to sign an additional attacker to compete at the top of the table.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea will begin talks with Leipzig for attacker Simons on Tuesday, but he also added that his signing is dependent on exits.

Who could Chelsea sell this transfer window?

Forward Raheem Sterling was on loan at Arsenal last season but he failed to impress and subsequently returned to Stamford Bridge, though he is unlikely to remain at the club.

The winger is not the only player on the chopping block this window, with fellow attacker Joao Felix thought to be a target of former side Benfica.

Elsewhere, defenders Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi face uncertain futures following their own loan spells at Crystal Palace and Aston Villa respectively.

The former is reportedly attracting interest from Leeds United, while the latter is said to be a target of the Saudi Pro League.

There are a number of others who might find themselves playing for a different club next season, and Chelsea will hope that they can offload enough players in order to make room for Simons and prevent a rival suitor from getting ahead in the race for the Leipzig man.

Does Simons fit in at Chelsea under Maresca?

There are question marks about Simons's place in the Chelsea XI considering the Londoners already boast Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens in their ranks.

Both wingers prefer to operate from the left - the same zones as Simons - and Maresca may find it difficult to share minutes and satisfy each of them.

Perhaps the Blues boss could look to move Neto out to the right in place of Madueke, and the Leipzig forward would then face less competition for a starting spot.

Simons is also comfortable playing as a number 10, meaning he could come into the team as an attacking midfielder when talisman Cole Palmer needs to be rested.