Talks opened for deal that will UNLOCK Xavi Simons to Chelsea

Chelsea are one step closer to raising the necessary funds for the signing of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons as Inter have now officially made contact with Christopher Nkunku.

The Blues are keeping talks with RB Leipzig for Netherlands international Simons alive, but they are currently thought to be unable to make a formal offer for him.

Chelsea, who have just signed Jorrel Hato for more than €40 million, are trying to offload players before finalising the arrival of Simons, having been told by UEFA that they must finish the window with a positive balance if they want to register new players for the Champions League.

Joao Felix has moved to Al-Nassr, making €30m available now and a potential further €20m in the future. The next outgoing will be Armando Broja, who is set to join Burnley on a permanent deal.

The most lucrative departure, however, could actually be that of Christopher Nkunku, who was given a €70m price tag in January and who remains desperate to leave Stamford Bridge.

Inter make Nkunku contact

The Frenchman has been linked with a host of clubs in recent weeks, including Man Utd, Bayern and his former side RB Leipzig. Serie A giants Inter also expressed an interest a few weeks ago.

Now, the Champions League finalists have formalised their interest and made contact with the representatives of Nkunku, according to L’Equipe. Talks with the player’s camp have been taking place in recent days to gauge his interest in the move.

The focus on Nkunku appears to be driven by the Nerazzurri’s inability to strike a deal with Atalanta for Ademola Lookman. The Bergamo outfit are playing hardball and have rejected several bids for the Nigerian.

It remains to be seen if the talks with Nkunku develop further. Inter will likely not pay Chelsea’s €70m asking price, but the player could be attracted by a move to the San Siro. He wants to play at the highest level and is ignoring approaches from the lower half of the Premier League.

Intriguingly, the report adds that Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca would be happy to keep the 27-year-old around. However, Nkunku is understandably unhappy with his bit-part role and is pushing to leave.

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