Jan Age Fjortoft says he sees plenty of similarities between Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Xavi Simons.

Nkunku has struggled since moving from RB Leipzig in 2023, and Simons is likely to take the same path to Stamford Bridge if a deal worth €70m (£60m) can be agreed over the coming days.

Fjortoft feels that the Blues are in danger of repeating the same mistake they made with Nkunku:

“We now see they’re being linked to Xavi Simons. I mean, that is Nkunku again, isn’t it? There is something about their transfer strategy.”

“I understand going for the big player and the biggest talents. But look at Joao Felix, when did he last have five or six games where he played well? He’s one of those floaters who just float around the big clubs.”

“Chelsea are truthful to their transfer strategy, but I’m not sure they need to take the number of players they do. Go for the big ones, but I don’t understand why they have to go for so many.”

The Chelsea target won’t be able to escape the comparisons

There are striking similarities between Simons and Nkunku. Both are attacking midfielders who can play in multiple positions across the frontline.

They have thrived whilst playing in the Bundesliga, although it must be pointed out that Nkunku had considerably better numbers when he left Germany than Simons has now.

The one major difference is age. Simons is 5 years younger and possesses greater potential for future development.

Comparing Nkunku to Simons in the numbers

During his time at RB Leipzig, Nkunku recorded 70 goals and 56 assists in 172 appearances, which means he averaged a goal contribution every 1.37 games.

Simons, in contrast, has bagged just 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 appearances, averaging a goal involvement every 1.73 games.

In other news, we explain why a swap deal involving Chelsea and Man United is being held up