Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea Prioritise Sales Before Pushing for Two More Signings | OneFootball

Chelsea Clear Path for Garnacho and Simons Pursuit

Chelsea’s summer transfer strategy has entered a decisive stage. The club’s focus is firmly on streamlining the squad before moving for their two major attacking targets, Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons. The message from Stamford Bridge is clear: outgoings first, then marquee arrivals.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s report for Caught Offside, “Once these departures are sorted, Chelsea intend to push ahead with two major targets: Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons.” It is a structured approach designed to maintain financial balance and avoid the pitfalls of an overcrowded squad.

Departures Pave the Way for Big Moves

The early part of the summer saw significant incomings, creating both competition for places and the need to manage squad size. Sales have already included Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu and João Félix, yet the work is far from over.

Among the next expected departures is Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal striker, who scored 13 goals last season, appears to be nearing the end of his Chelsea spell. The club is reportedly working closely with his representatives to secure a suitable transfer.

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Christopher Nkunku’s situation mirrors Jackson’s in many ways. Despite his talent and high expectations on arrival, the French forward is not part of the immediate plans, with Chelsea looking to arrange his next move swiftly.

Garnacho Deal Dependent on Squad Space

The plan for Garnacho is already in motion. Romano notes that Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the Manchester United winger and are prepared to move quickly once the necessary squad space is available. Garnacho’s directness, creativity and work rate make him an ideal fit for a side seeking more attacking penetration from wide areas.

His potential arrival would also represent a rare transfer between two fierce Premier League rivals, adding intrigue to an already complex negotiation. Chelsea’s willingness to wait for the right moment underlines their commitment to making Garnacho a central figure in their future plans.

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Simons Talks Progress as Chelsea Wait on Sales

Chelsea’s interest in Xavi Simons has also advanced, with Romano confirming “Chelsea are in advanced verbal discussions with RB Leipzig but a formal club-to-club agreement has yet to be reached.” The Netherlands international, known for his vision and creativity, is seen as another player who can transform Chelsea’s attacking approach.

However, the club remains bound by its self-imposed sequencing. Player sales must be completed before any fee can be negotiated with Leipzig. Until that happens, Simons’ move remains in the planning stage rather than the execution phase.

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For now, Chelsea’s transfer window is defined by patience and precision. The departures of Jackson, Nkunku and others will determine how quickly the Blues can pivot towards securing Garnacho and Simons, two signings that could redefine their attacking identity.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Chelsea fans, this summer is a test of patience. The desire to see high-profile names like Garnacho and Simons walk through the doors at Cobham is strong, yet the club’s financial discipline means waiting for departures to clear the path. Supporters will understand the need for balance, but they will also want to avoid a situation where drawn-out sales delay or derail top targets.

Garnacho’s potential signing would inject youthful energy and fearless attacking intent into the squad, something Stamford Bridge has lacked at times. The prospect of prising him away from Manchester United adds a layer of satisfaction for supporters who remember years of rivalry.

Simons offers a different kind of quality, the ability to dictate tempo and create openings in tight games. Fans can already imagine the fluid combinations between him and Chelsea’s other young stars.

The concern will be that, in a competitive market, delays could give rivals the opportunity to intervene. For now, faith in the recruitment strategy remains, but the sooner Chelsea convert this careful planning into action, the sooner optimism will turn into excitement.