Chelsea set for shock Xavi Simons alternative after Tottenham complete hijack
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Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media / Imago
Ben Palmer
Fri 29 August 2025 15:26, UK
Chelsea are keen to add to their options in the number 10 position and are closing in on a move for a talented Argentine international.
Chelsea have been reliant on Cole Palmer as their key source of creativity from the midfield ever since he joined from Man City in 2023.
However, at the back end of last season, the 23-year-old looked leggy and tired, and his drop-off in production became a source of concern.
Whilst Palmer delivered two assists for Chelsea in their Conference League final win over Real Betis and was the star of the show in a triumphant Club World Cup campaign, the England international scored just three Premier League goals between January and May.
Xavi Simons was identified as a key option for Chelsea as an alternative to the Blues’ star man, whilst also affording Enzo Maresca another choice out wide, but the Dutchman has just agreed to join Tottenham.
And from seemingly out of nowhere, the West London side are now closing in on yet another young Brighton star to join on loan, The Athletic reports.
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Facundo Buonanotte spent last season on loan at Leicester City, scoring six and providing three assists in 35 appearances in all competitions.
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Whilst the Foxes put up little resistance in their bid to avoid relegation, particularly after Ruud van Nistelrooy took over from Steve Cooper, the Argentina international was a bright spark.
As reported, Chelsea are closing in on an agreement over a loan move for Buonanotte after Leeds United’s pursuit of the 20-year-old collapsed.
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The Yorkshire side had a flight booked for Thursday afternoon (28 August) to bring the former Rosario Central man to the club, but the attacking midfielder never boarded the plane.
Leeds were confident that Buonanotte would join them and had booked a medical in preparation for his arrival at Elland Road.
However, Chelsea have stolen ahead in their pursuit of the youngster, sending Daniel Farke’s side back to the drawing board in their pursuit of an attacking midfielder.
Football Insider Verdict
Buonanotte is the sort of player worth getting excited about, but it is hard to see where he fits in at Chelsea.
The Blues do need cover for Palmer, especially after an injury forced him to drop out of the starting XI for their 5-1 win over West Ham on 22 August.
However, with Estevao stepping into the starting role on the right wing and Joao Pedro delivering a masterclass from the 10, it is clear that Maresca is hardly short on cover in those areas.
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Buonanotte, as a left-footed player, is most comfortable behind the striker or at right-wing, where Chelsea have the aforementioned Brazilian wonderkid, Pedro, Tyrique George, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jamie Gittens who are all capable of playing in those roles.
But with the Blues competing on four fronts this season, there will undoubtedly be opportunities for the Argentine wonderkid to make his mark, and if anything, his decision to join a title-contender where there will be competition for places over a relegation candidate speaks to his confidence and belief that despite the obvious challenges, he sees himself as capable of making his mark at Stamford Bridge.