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(Credit: Getty Images, Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Fri 22 August 2025 8:00, UK

Chelsea are planning to use the funds raised from the sale of Christopher Nkunku to accelerate their pursuit of RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old has become a leading target for Enzo Maresca.

In what has been another busy summer in West London, the boss remains keen to strengthen his squad with work ongoing behind the scenes.

This comes after Football Insider first revealed in July that Simons has asked to leave Leipzig with Chelsea and Arsenal keeping tabs on his situation.

Since then, the Blues have been pushing forward with their attempts to lure him to Stamford Bridge, but are believed to be prioritising player sales first.

Brown told Football Insider on 19 August that Nkunku wants to return to the Bundesliga, as both Bayern Munich and Leipzig are prepared to make late moves.

Christopher Nkunku could leave Chelsea.

(Credit: Imago)

This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

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Brown told Football Insider in May that Arne Slot wanted to bring Simons to Liverpool, with the midfielder open to a move to the Premier League this summer.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Chelsea are preparing to step up their interest in the coming days.

“Chelsea are still looking to strengthen their squad,” he told Football Insider.

“They’ve spent a lot of money again this summer, but they’re not done yet, because the manager feels there are areas they can still improve.

“Xavi Simons is a player with a very good reputation, he’s thought of very highly.

“From what I hear, they would like to do a deal to bring him in.

“But like I say, they’ve spent a lot of money, and I think the focus is on selling players.

(Credit: Imago)

“There are a few they’d like to move on, including Nkunku who we’ve spoken about.

“He plays in that similar position as well, one of the forwards in that front line, so if they can move him on that might allow them to accelerate a move for Simons.

“I expect it will be a case of using the money from his sale to boost their offer.

“Plus it will go towards clearing space in the squad because there isn’t much of that at Chelsea at the moment with the players they’ve brought in.”

With Chelsea set to prioritise moving players on before the window closes, they are eyeing Nicolas Jackson as a potential late sale amid growing interest.

Football Insider revealed on 15 August that Jackson is wanted by Aston Villa and Newcastle after both clubs registered their interest in his signature.

Nicolas Jackson could be allowed to leave Chelsea.

(Credit: Imago)

Villa are believed to be the front-runners to sign the striker as things stand, with Unai Emery keen to strengthen up front after working with him at Villarreal.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider in June that Chelsea are prepared to accept offers for Jackson and have been inviting interest in a deal all summer.

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