Chelsea hold firm over two transfers as Leipzig chief makes Simons statement

Chelsea need to offload Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku before adding new attackers to Enzo Maresca's squad

Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku is prioritising a move to Bayern Munich over a reunion with RB Leipzig. Both German clubs are courting the Frenchman, who the Blues are looking to shift, but Chelsea are currently blocking all loan approaches.

Bayern chief Max Eberl has already made it clear the Bundesliga champions are only looking to sign an attacker on loan this summer. Meanwhile Leipzig, who sold Nkunku to Chelsea for £52million in 2023, have twice seen loan advances knocked back by the world champions in recent weeks.

Inter Milan are also monitoring the forward but unless Enzo Maresca's side alter their demands, Nkunku exit remains complex. Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Leipzig star Xavi Simons but they're yet to bid as they want to clear the decks before adding more players to their inflated squad.

So far, the prospect of Nkunku being included in a deal for Simons has been ruled out. Leipzig also want Liverpool star Harvey Elliott to replace Simons but the Reds are reluctant to continue weakening Arne Slot's ranks without securing further attacking reinforcements.

Simons, who was recently the subject of an enquiry from Tottenham, started Leipzig's 6-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Friday in their Bundesliga opener. The club's sporting director Marcel Schafer insists his side are not stopping Simons' move to Stamford Bridge.

He said on Friday evening: "We are generally known for enabling players to take the next step. He has expressed his desire to take the next step. Basically, we're open and won't block any players. But only if all the parameters are right for everyone involved. And that hasn't been the case so far.

"If we notice that things are going in a certain direction, then we're prepared to take one or two players off. That really hasn't been the case so far and that's why he [Xavi] played today."

Meanwhile, Chelsea are in a similarly awkward position where Nicolas Jackson's future is concerned. They favour a permanent sale but so far, clubs only appeared to be interested in a loan because the Senegal international is valued at around £60m by the Blues.

Bayern chief Eberl claims the Germans aren't pursuing a move but super-agent Ali Barat has held dialogue with Bayern. Aston Villa and Newcastle remain in the race and there has been contact from Italian sides Juventus and Napoli, whose current focus is Rasmus Hojlund, via intermediaries.

Chelsea don't want to loan and if they did, it would have to include a permanent transfer clause. Jackson was once again left out of the Blues squad on Friday for their 5-1 demolition of West Ham.