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RB Leipzig are not interested in re-signing Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku this summer, despite rumours of a swap deal involving the Frenchman and Xavi Simons.
Nkunku, 27, is expected to be sold by Chelsea before the end of the summer transfer window and reports indicate that Enzo Maresca’s side have initiated talks with Leipzig over a possible swap deal.
However, Leipzig have no intention of bringing Nkunku back to the club this summer.
That is according to German publication BILD, who state that Nkunku no longer fits into the salary structure at the club.
The 27-year-old currently earns a reported annual salary of €20 million at Chelsea and this is seen as excessive by Leipzig, especially as sporting director Marcel Schafer has reportedly been tasked with reducing the club’s wage bill by 20% this summer.
Xavi Simons to join Chelsea?
Although Leipzig have reportedly ruled out a swap deal involving Nkunku and Simons, Chelsea are still firmly in the race to sign the Netherlands international.
In fact, BILD claim it is “entirely possible” that Simons will complete a blockbuster move to Stamford Bridge before the end of Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.
Leipzig are currently demanding a fee of €70m to sanction a sale this summer and Chelsea may be forced to match this valuation if they want to bring the Dutchman to west London.
Simons, who has two years remaining on his Leipzig contract, scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last season, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €67.5m.
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