Chelsea can sign £110m star to complete Enzo Maresca attack as transfer decision made

Chelsea appear to be keeping their options open in attack despite ongoing talks to sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho. The Blues have already spent £130million on Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens to strengthen their front-line, but further incomings are expected.

That is because, in addition to Joao Felix and Noni Madueke, both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are expected to depart Stamford Bridge.

Negotiations with RB Leipzig over Simons started at the same time as discussions for Jorrel Hato of Ajax and, yet, the latter has already made his Chelsea debut.

The German club prioritised selling Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, but confidence remains that the Simons deal will go through, as football.london understands.

With Sesko’s switch having now been confirmed, RB Leipzig also selling Simons is not a necessity and therefore he could yet remain with that possibility shown by his involvement in their latest pre-season friendly. Chelsea remains his priority destination, though, if a deal is eventually struck-up.

Alongside that deal, talks to sign Garnacho from Manchester United have started with both the forward keen on joining Chelsea and Ruben Amorim having no plans to use the Argentine. Those at Old Trafford want £50million to sell, but it does not look as though the Blues value him that highly.

With complications clear in both deals, it is no surprise then that Chelsea have identified and are keeping tabs on potential alternatives. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers looks to be one of those – with The Athletic claiming that he is liked within the club as a potential fit for the attacking midfield role.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign at Villa Park during the 2024/25 season with 30 goal contributions next to his name across 54 appearances.

Taking into account that, and his clear ability to potentially hit higher ceilings, it is no surprise that CIES Football Observatory have estimated he is worth a maximum of £110million (€127m). In fact, that is probably close to Villa’s asking price given his importance to Unai Emery.

However, a sale cannot be ruled out because of Villa’s financial situation with it possible at least one marquee exit being sanctioned. As things stand, Jacob Ramsey looks the most likely player to depart, given any sale would result in pure profit arriving on their financial books.

According to The Athletic, Newcastle United are starting talks with Villa for the 24-year-old after no agreement was reached on a new contract. If that switch does not materialise, Villa could be forced to sell Rogers in the late stages of the window and if Chelsea haven’t agreed a deal for Simons, an ambitious approach could be made.