Chelsea’s next attacking target AFTER signing Xavi Simons

Carlo Garganese
Carlo Garganese
  • Updated: 29 Jul 2025 07:39 BST
  • 4 min read
Xavi Simons, RB Leipzig, Chelsea
© IMAGO

Chelsea are still interested in signing Alejandro Garnacho this summer - even if they complete the purchase of Xavi Simons.

Article continues under the video

The Blues are set to make an opening bid for Simons in the coming hours, according to Ben Jacobs, with there a general sense of confidence that the Leipzig star will move to Stamford Bridge.

Current ETV
Player image Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho

AM (C)

Man Utd logo

Man Utd

Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho

AM (C)

Man Utd

Man Utd

€59.8M

ETV Range

€53.8M - €65.8M

But despite the likely arrival of Simons and the expensive purchases of attackers like Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, Chelsea still plan to sign another winger after the Dutchman.

Ben Jacobs reports that the Blues could bring in Alejandro Garnacho as they remain very interested in the Man Utd star.

Garnacho to Chelsea?

Jacobs says that Garnacho is a serious player of interest, with the idea that he could replace Christopher Nkunku.

Nkunku is expected to leave Chelsea next month.

Garnacho would be earmarked as an alternative to Gittens on the left wing.

If Nicolas Jackson leaves then Joao Pedro would be moved centrally, opening up an extra space on the wing for Garnacho.

Garnacho is transfer listed at Man Utd and has no future at the club.

He has been left out of United's preseason tour of the United States alongside Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho - all of whom will also depart this summer.

Garnacho was close to leaving Man Utd during the January transfer window after agreeing personal terms with Napoli.

Napoli were locked in negotiations with Garnacho for over a fortnight during January as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after the Georgian star joined PSG for €75 million.

However, the two clubs failed to agree a fee and Garnacho ended up staying.

Garnacho has been unsettled at Old Trafford for some time, and has not shown his best form under manager Ruben Amorim.

The 21-year-old Garnacho was one of the few bright lights of Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United.

Garnacho (left) exploded in the previous two seasons
© IMAGO - Garnacho (left) exploded in the previous two seasons

He was one of the breakout stars in the Premier League in 2022-23, making eight goal contributions from 10 starts and 29 appearances.

He had a string of memorable performances, including the winner against Real Sociedad in the Europa League which made him the youngest foreign player to ever score for Man Utd in European competition.

Garnacho broke a string of records, and also starred in the Manchester derby, assisting Marcus Rashford’s winner in the 2-1 victory over Man City.

In 2023-24 Garnacho continued to impress, with 10 goals in all competitions. He scored in the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Man City, hit a memorable brace in the 4-3 victory over Chelsea and scored the goal of the season with a stunning bicycle kick against Everton.

This past season Garnacho saw his star shine less bright, with just six goals and twoo assists in 36 Premier League games.

Football transfer news headlines today

DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today

Transfer News LIVE - Every rumour, every done deal: Newcastle-Liverpool Isak WAR, United's TOP priority

Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd make 'concrete' approach to beat Newcastle to Sesko transfer

Chelsea close to ‘FANTASTIC’ Jorrel Hato deal

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

Google Play

App Store

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.