Chelsea are actively pursuing a double deal for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho right now, but they could still sign more players alongside the duo.
Both Simons and Garnacho are determined to sign for Chelsea, but the Blues are still yet to reach full agreements with either of their clubs.
The former has made it clear that he wants to join Enzo Maresca’s side, and is patiently waiting for Chelsea to shake hands on a fee for his services as negotiations continue behind-the-scenes this week.
Garnacho, meanwhile, has earmarked Stamford Bridge as his “only” desired landing spot this summer (David Ornstein) – coming after the Argentine dropped a teasing hint on Instagram.
The 21-year-old liked a post linking him with a move to Chelsea, which is perhaps a clear indication that Garnacho has set his sights on joining the west Londoners.
To make room for the attacking pair, Chelsea are expected to green-light a few more high-profile sales amid pressure from UEFA to produce a positive transfer balance by next month.
Carney Chukwuemeka, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Alfie Gilchrist are all being linked with the Cobham exit door before this summer’s transfer deadline on September 1, and this host of departures could also free up space for PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italy number one announced that he will be leaving PSG this summer in an emotional goodbye post on Tuesday evening, coming after he was left out of Luis Enrique’s squad for their UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham.
“To the special Paris fans, From the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain,” said Donnarumma.
“Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened. I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done.
“If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me, and I will never forget it. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights, and of you, who made me feel at home.”
With the 26-year-old now officially leaving the Parc des Princes, PSG’s loss could well be Chelsea’s gain.
Gianluigi Donnarumma holds talks to join Chelsea
Reports from France earlier this week suggested that Chelsea have inquired about Donnarumma, and now journalist Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that the ex-AC Milan shot-stopper has held talks to join Maresca via his representatives.
“Manchester United, as we have revealed, have an interest; they wanted to improve their goalkeeping department this summer, and two options they like are Donnarumma and Emi Martinez, but a deal for the Italian is there for them, in theory, to do.
“But others are looking – I am told Donnarumma’s camp have spoken to Chelsea and Manchester City. City, for their part, are in talks with Galatasaray, who were keen on Donnarumma, over Ederson.
“We now expect that Ederson could be heading to Istanbul this summer, which could free them up to make a move for Donnarumma.
“I’m also told that Bayern Munich are potentially in the mix for him.”
Maresca is arguably in need of an experienced figurehead, and all Premier League title-winning sides possess one thing in common – a world-class goalkeeper. Donnarumma fits the bill in all these aspects.
Amid reports he’ll cost around £26 million, Chelsea could seal a major bargain after deciding not to sign Milan’s Mike Maignan earlier in the window.
