Chelsea and Arsenal target Xavi Simons could see his £65m asking price “reduced” before the transfer window closes, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues are said to be the most advanced in talks on the player side, with Simons said to be keen on making the switch to Stamford Bridge.

However, Enzo Maresca’s side are not expected to make a formal bid, despite Romano claiming that “club-to-club” talks with RB Leipzig could take place this week.

Writing in his GiveMeSport column, the Italian reporter emphasised that players need to be sold before an offer is made for Simons.

The departure of 2 Chelsea players could trigger a bid

It is believed that the sales of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson could prove crucial in the Blues’ attempts to sign Simons.

Reports suggest that Nkunku can leave for a fee in the region of €50m (£43m), while Jackson’s valuation is now said to be close to £80m.

Liverpool’s decision to pay £69m up front for Hugo Ekitike (with another £10m in add-ons) has prompted a rethink on Jackson’s price. There is a feeling that he should be valued at a slightly higher amount than the French forward.

Simons has been pressing for a move all summer

While waiting until the end of the transfer window to make their move for the Netherlands international could allow the likes of Arsenal to hijack the deal, the need for sales means Chelsea will have no choice but to take that approach.

Simons made it clear to Leipzig at the start of the summer that he wanted to move clubs, with the Premier League his preferred destination, so it’s clear that he would be happy to wait for the Blues.

Based on Romano’s report, it seems the added benefit of waiting is that they will get him for a lower price as well.

In other news, fans react to reports that a Chelsea transfer target is now available for just £40m