Chelsea warned over Xavi Simons transfer as RB Leipzig star is compared to failed £52m signing

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Chelsea appear to be pretty convinced with RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons as they try to conclude a deal to sign him.

It has been reported that Chelsea view Simons as a “strong fit” for their side due to the 22-year-old’s versatility.

Simons’ preferred position is attacking midfielder, though, but Chelsea already have several players who can operate there.

For former Norway international Jan Aage Fjortoft, that presents a bit of a problem.

• READ MORE: RB Leipzig keen on signing £52m Chelsea player as Blues close in on Xavi Simons deal

Jan Aage Fjortoft fears Xavi Simons could be another Christopher Nkunku

Christopher Nkunku is one of those players who can start behind the striker, though he has not got too many opportunities to because of injuries and Cole Palmer.

All in all, his £52m move to Chelsea from Simons’ current club Leipzig in 2023 has not worked out.

Fjortoft has now suggested that the Blues could just be signing another version of him in Simons.

Speaking about Chelsea’s interest in the Dutchman on ESPN FC, he said: “You have to say to them they’re fair to their kind of plan. They have a defined kind of player they want to get in, but we now see they’re being linked to Xavi Simons. I mean, that is Nkunku again, isn’t it?”

Nkunku could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, which would mean more opportunities for Simons in the No.10 position.

But with Palmer still around, Simons could end up finding himself in a very similar situation to the Frenchman. Of course, Simons can also play on the left so could be used there.

It is thought that Manchester United have enquired about signing Nkunku, while they have also been linked with Nicolas Jackson.

Christopher Nkunku outscored Xavi Simons last season

Nkunku played almost 50 games in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, which is a lot.

However, he was mostly used off the bench in the Premier League and played fewer minutes compared to Simons. Even so, the France international still managed to score more goals than the Leipzig man.

Despite preferring to play off or behind another striker, the majority of Nkunku’s appearances did come up front. Therefore, some would have expected him to outscore Simons, even with fewer minutes under his belt.