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Despite locking down some impressive transfers, the Blues missed out on prolific scorer Hugo Ekitiké, who was once tipped for a Stamford Bridge move but ended up at Liverpool instead.
Fortunately for fans, reports suggest Chelsea may be closing in on an attacking talent who could serve as their alternative to the French striker.
With the transfer window in full swing and plenty of activity already underway, Chelsea were heavily linked to Ekitiké earlier this summer.
It seems Chelsea shifted focus to other priority targets and didn’t pursue Ekitiké as aggressively as rumors claimed—giving Liverpool the opportunity to clinch his signature for around £69 million.
Although the former Frankfurt forward is now off the market, Chelsea are reportedly close to signing another offensive threat who could fill a similar role.
A recent update from German publication Bild confirms Chelsea’s strong interest in Xavi Simons.
The report says the Blues have struck a broad personal terms agreement with the Dutchman, although an official bid to RB Leipzig hasn’t been made. The German club is said to be holding out for €70 million (£61 million).
It’s a steep price, but considering Simons’ talent and upside, many believe he’d be worth every penny—and possibly Chelsea’s version of Ekitiké.
While Simons is more of a creative midfielder than a traditional striker like Ekitiké, there are compelling reasons he could still serve a similar function in the squad.
Like Ekitiké, Simons would be moving from a Bundesliga club outside the elite duo to one of England’s ‘big six’ teams.
Both players are also around the same age—Simons is 22, and Ekitiké just turned 23.
Another shared chapter is Paris Saint-Germain: Simons was part of their academy beginning in 2019 and had multiple stints with the club before sealing a permanent move to Leipzig in January. Meanwhile, Ekitiké joined PSG in 2022 and departed for Germany two years later.
While Simons likely won’t replicate Ekitiké’s tally of 22 goals in 48 matches due to his deeper role, he still brings explosive attacking value and could be transformative under Maresca.
In 33 games last season, totaling 2,763 minutes, Simons racked up 11 goals and eight assists—earning high praise from scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed him a “game-changer.”
That’s a goal contribution every 144 minutes, or roughly every 1.73 matches—impressive for a playmaker.
Ultimately, if Chelsea want a dynamic creator capable of turning matches around, Simons could be the answer—and they should push to finalize his signing before the summer window shuts.
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