
EPL Index
·16. August 2025
Garnacho and Simons Moves Hinged on Chelsea Outgoings

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·16. August 2025
Chelsea’s summer transfer strategy remains finely balanced, with potential arrivals dependent on who departs before the window closes. According to Sky Sports, “Chelsea will only sign Alejandro Garnacho AND Xavi Simons if at least two first-team forwards leave before the window closes.”
It is a clear signal that Stamford Bridge is braced for both outgoings and opportunities. The club’s hierarchy are assessing the futures of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Tyrique George, with each situation influencing what Chelsea can achieve in terms of new signings.
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The financial framework of modern football makes squad management as much about departures as arrivals. “Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Tyrique George could all move and incomings are exit dependent,” Sky Sports reported.
If all three forwards were to leave, Chelsea would be in a strong position to bring in both Garnacho and Simons, an attacking double signing that would inject quality, youth and versatility. However, if only one departs, the situation changes drastically, with the likelihood being a single arrival or potentially none at all.
The fine margins reflect Chelsea’s desire to build sustainably while still strengthening. The message is clear: movement in must be matched by movement out.
Chelsea are understood to value Alejandro Garnacho at around £30m, a figure that suggests they see long-term potential in the Manchester United winger. The Argentine’s energy, directness and ability to influence games make him a coveted target.
Xavi Simons, meanwhile, offers creativity and intelligence in midfield areas, qualities that could add another dimension to Chelsea’s play. His versatility and technical pedigree have attracted interest across Europe, but Stamford Bridge appears determined to be part of the conversation should space be created in the squad.
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While speculation continues about possible goalkeeping changes, one name can be ruled out. “Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma is still not a Chelsea target,” Sky Sports confirmed. Despite his standing in world football, the Italian goalkeeper is not part of Chelsea’s current recruitment planning, with attention firmly centred on wide and attacking positions.
For Enzo Maresca and his backroom staff, this window encapsulates the modern challenge of elite club management. Ambitions of signing talents like Garnacho and Simons are realistic, but only if the exit door opens for others first. Chelsea’s recruitment team are treading a fine line between bold investment and ensuring the squad does not become bloated.
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The coming weeks could define Chelsea’s season. Should the exits materialise, the club would have licence to bring in two of Europe’s most exciting young talents. If not, fans may be asked to show patience with the squad already assembled.
For Chelsea fans, this highlights the fine balance of the club’s transfer strategy. Supporters are excited by the prospect of Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons in blue, yet there is also a recognition that squad depth cannot be allowed to spiral. Having too many players competing for the same positions has hurt Chelsea in the past, creating disjointed seasons and a lack of rhythm.
The valuations feel fair, particularly the £30m figure for Garnacho, a player still developing but with immense potential. Chelsea fans know he has the energy, flair and unpredictability that could lift Stamford Bridge on difficult afternoons. Simons, with his technical ability and versatility, would be equally appealing.
The uncertainty around Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Tyrique George will be key. If departures allow these signings, the sense of renewal will be tangible. But if exits stall, fans may feel frustration at another summer where promise and reality diverge.
Ultimately, Chelsea supporters want clarity. Maresca has begun to create a more structured identity, but genuine progress will depend on how efficiently the club manages its ins and outs. Garnacho and Simons could represent the future, but the door must first be opened.