Chelsea transfer 'progressing' as key starter's 'preference' is to leave

Chelsea are still busy in the summer transfer market as they look to add to their early haul of three forwards. The Blues are now looking to add an attacking midfielder and a centre-back, while they are likely going to need another winger while replacing any potential exits along the way.

Enzo Maresca and his men are currently on break due to the strange pre-season schedule they have due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. A couple of friendlies await in August, but it will certainly be a test for Chelsea to head into the new season on the back of a very different looking summer. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Simons deal progressing

Chelsea’s negotiations to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons are said to be ‘progressing well’, with the Blues now pushing to land Simons and Jorrel Hato as their next two signing.

Fabrizio Romano posted on X: “Understand Chelsea and RB Leipzig are now in advanced talks for Xavi Simons. Negotiations club to club progressing well, still work to do but heading positive direction. Xavi, keen on Chelsea project with personal terms talks also advanced.”

Jackson claim

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been linked with a move away this summer, with the Blues having signed two new strikers in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Speculation surrounding Jackson sprung up after he received a red card late in the Premier League season and again in the FIFA Club World Cup.

According to Simon Phillips, Jackson’s preference is to move on this summer, which will come as a surprise to many. Chelsea are set to demand big money to sell Jackson this summer, so that would be a complicating factor.

Reports elsewhere have suggested that Maresca is happy with his striker options heading into the new season, and if Jackson was to leave, Chelsea would need to find a replacement. The Blues have not shown interest in Alexander Isak, so it seems they are not in the market to replace Jackson as things stand.

Palmer position change suggested

Stan Collymore has backed Cole Palmer to play on the wing for England as Thomas Tuchel begins to consider his World Cup plans. Collymore told CaughtOffside: “If I was Thomas Tuchel, I would be honing down on the players that I want for my side…

“I would play Cole Palmer on the left; he’s a winger for all intents and purposes. Forget the fact that he plays as a 10 and he drops deep, etc. He’s extraordinarily left-footed player and he can go past people with ease.

“He would not be the first player in world football history to play one position for his club and another position for his nation. I think he should be just told quite simply: play on the left, hug the touchline, go past the full-back, put the cross in the box. There’s nothing stopping you from drifting in and playing a one-two and scoring your goals.”

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