Prior to Michael Olise’s decision to join Bayern Munich, Chelsea was believed to be the front-runner to sign the 22-year-old from Crystal Palace.
Olise’s decision to play in the Champions League next season with Bayern rather than Chelsea dealt a blow to co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, who are trying to support new manager Enzo Maresca with high-caliber hires.
After losing out on Olise (Nizaar Kinsella), they are still looking at other options and still want to add a new winger. Since then, rumors have surfaced suggesting that Chelsea may make a bid for Ademola Lookman, a standout player at Atalanta who led his team to an unexpected Europa League victory over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen and is estimated to cost £50 million.
Other top wide players may be on the move this summer. Nico Williams, a star player for Athletic Bilbao, has been linked to a move to Chelsea this week. Some reports state that PSG winger Xavi Simons is a more costly but well regarded possibility. The Netherlands international had a very successful season last year, starting 32 Bundesliga games while on loan at RB Leipzig and tallying eight goals and eleven assists.
Chelsea is prepared to offer a sizable sum for Simons
According to rumors in Spain, Chelsea is willing to make a large bid for Simons, although it is unknown whether they will go as high as his £85 million asking price.
The 21-year-old is also being pursued by Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Arsenal, and Luis Enrique may even decide to keep the Dutchman for next season, so it will not be an easy deal by any means.
“It will be interesting to see if that’s what Enrique wants, but based on what he’s said publicly, he seems very keen on Simons’ profile,” said Ligue 1 expert and CBS Sports correspondent Jonathan Johnson on Simons’ future in the French capital (via CaughtOffside).
“There’s been talk of potential offers from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona, but I think it would have to depend on the offer, because I don’t really see PSG doing business unless there’s an offer that’s deemed too good to turn down.
“I expect decisions to be made soon, and PSG’s preparations for next season can even start now, given that they’ve gone out of the Champions League. There’s still a cup final to win, but Ligue 1 has been confirmed, so Enrique can start discussing with the club which positions need reinforcing and how Simons might fit into his plans for next season.”