Chelsea can use Xavi Simons smokescreen to hijack £68m transfer as Man City join race

Chelsea could use their reported interest in Xavi Simons as a smokescreen to beat Arsenal to another expensive deal. The west Londoners have been heavily linked with a move for Simons, having reportedly identified him as a top target. The winger is thought to be keen on moving to the Premier League this summer but terms are yet to be agreed.

Enzo Maresca reportedly wants to sign two wide forwards before the window closes at the start of next month. They have also been linked with Alejandro Garnacho, who is desperate to join the Blues after falling out of favour at Manchester United. Chelsea's interest in Simons appears to be more advanced at the moment, with talks having been held in recent weeks.

However, it has been claimed that Manchester City could launch a late attempt to land him for themselves. They are 'in the race' for Simons, according to football.london, having reached out to RB Leipzig to express their interest in his signature.

Chelsea could spring a surprise by using Simons as a smokescreen to land Eberechi Eze, who has emerged as a target for Arsenal. The north Londoners are said to be chasing a deal for the Crystal Palace forward, having been linked with a move for several weeks.

Last summer, Chelsea tried to bring Eze to Stamford Bridge but were unable to push a deal over the line. He would still be a great signing for the Blues and is already proven in the Premier League, unlike Simons.

They were linked with Eze as recently as last month, with TEAMtalk suggesting that his agents were in talks over personal terms. Arsenal have since emerged as the frontrunners but it would be naive to suggest that Chelsea have magically dropped their interest.

In the event City decide to ramp up their pursuit of Simons, it would allow Chelsea to use him to disguise a separate move for Eze.

They could quietly negotiate with Crystal Palace and sign him from under the noses of Arsenal, who would be caught short by their sudden change of plans.

Until recently, Eze had a release clause of £68million but it reportedly expired at the start of this month. It means Crystal Palace will be able to demand a higher fee in order to sell the forward, who remains tied down until the summer of 2027.

It remains to be seen how the situation will play out, with plenty of time for a dramatic twist to the tale before the window closes.

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