Chelsea could get a major transfer window triumph over Manchester United with a cunning double-edged plot. The Blues’ busy summer may still intensify with an exit for Nicolas Jackson and a move for Xavi Simons potentially happening over the coming weeks.
Jackson has been shoved down the pecking order by the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. United are reportedly interested in a transfer for the Senegal international, whose exit would help Chelsea balance the books this summer. UEFA will only allow the West London club to register new players for the Champions League if they make a profit in transfers this summer. Chelsea are believed to want around £70million for Jackson.
That would be a hugely expensive transfer should United advance with their interest in the 24-year-old. Jackson’s inconsistent performances have been a key source of frustration for Chelsea supporters.
He started last season well, scoring nine goals before Christmas. However, the forward bagged only one more for the remainder of the campaign. United need an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee but, particularly at £70m, Jackson is not that player.
It would therefore be a mistake for United to pursue the former Villarreal man in their quest for a new No. 9. And Chelsea would be able to spend that money on RB Leipzig star Simons, who is reportedly keen to leave the German club.
Simons is a former United target who is said to be valued at around £40m by Leipzig. The 22-year-old may even suit Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation better than the 4-2-3-1 at Chelsea, where key player Cole Palmer plays in the No. 10 role. Other attacking options are stacked at Stamford Bridge.
United have signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, meaning a bargain deal for Simons is unlikely. Chelsea signing the Netherlands international instead, particularly at a smaller price than United’s deals for Cunha and Mbeumo, would rub salt in the Red Devils’ wounds.
A move for Simons would further improve Chelsea’s squad, while United still trail behind their rivals – even after spending £130m on their new arrivals. Amorim’s side still have a lot of catching up to do before they can claim to be genuine contenders for the top four. Chelsea have enjoyed the better transfer window so far.