Chelsea could do £61m swap deal and have already struck crucial agreement

Chelsea are reportedly exploring the possibility of a swap deal with RB Leipzig, which would see Xavi Simons join the Premier League side and Christopher Nkunku head the opposite way. Nkunku isn't believed to be a part of Enzo Maresca's plans, with the Frenchman allowed to leave the club this summer.

The two-time European champions have already made several signings this summer, with Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro among the new arrivals. But it's believed Chelsea are keen to add even more attacking additions before the September 1 deadline, including Alejandro Garnacho and the sought-after Simons.

The Guardian are reporting talks have started between Leipzig and Chelsea, with the Bundesliga outfit keen to bring Nkunku back to the Red Bull Arena. Nkunku joined Chelsea on a six-year deal two years ago, but has underwhelmed with his performances so far.

Leipzig are in need of a striker after selling Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United for £74million earlier this week, with Chelsea keen to part ways with Nkunku. The outlet claims a deal could be struck that involves Simons going the other way, with the capital club having already agreed personal terms with the attacking midfielder.

Simons only joined Leipzig on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain in January, but enjoyed two successful loan deals with the German outfit. Leipzig had been hoping to land a fee in the region of £61m for Simons - a fee Chelsea are hoping to reduce by including Nkunku.

Simons is believed to be under transfer scrutiny from record Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but Maresca and Co. remain confident that the 22-year-old will pen a contract with Chelsea. It comes ahead of what promises to be a hectic end to the transfer window for the Londoners, as they scramble to get incomings and outgoings over the line.

Alongside their Simons and Garnacho pursuit, Chelsea are expected to wave goodbye to Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international joined in the same summer as Nkunku, but much like his attacking counterpart, struggled for consistent form in front of goal.

Jackson has told the Chelsea hierarchy that his preference is a move away from the club, with Newcastle United among the teams said to be interested. Chelsea had originally valued Jackson in the region of £80m, but following his request to leave, it's claimed they could accept a deal closer to £65m instead.