Chelsea progress in Xavi Simons talks but their first-choice creative target is someone else

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TBR Football can exclusively confirm that, while Chelsea have been making progress in talks over Xavi Simons, they have someone else in mind as their first-choice creative target.

The Blues have enjoyed a fruitful summer, both on the pitch and on the transfer front.

Chelsea, who won the Club World Cup, have made a multitude of big signings including Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Estevao.

Now, the Blues could soon be adding one of the Bundesliga’s most sought-after players to their ranks – but he’s not the only attacker they’re after.

Chelsea in talks over Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho but Morgan Rogers remains their first-choice

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Chelsea have progressed in talks over Xavi Simons in the last 48 hours.

However, while the Blues have been working on Simons, Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers remains their number one choice in the role.

In addition, Chelsea are still talking to Alejandro Garnacho, who has been frozen out at Manchester United.

“Chelsea are working on this extra creator – which is amazing considering they have Cole Palmer and Estevao,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.

“However, Chelsea’s recruitment staff know what they want.

“Talks are ongoing over Xavi Simons, but their interest in Morgan Rogers has not gone away.

“Joe Shields, as we have said, would love to bring Rogers to Stamford Bridge, and there is still strong interest from within the club in Garnacho.”

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How Chelsea are getting on in their pursuit of Jorrel Hato

Last month, TBR Football sources confirmed that Chelsea were ‘pushing hard’ to sign Hato.

The Blues are now making good progress towards signing the Ajax star, who has agreed a move to Stamford Bridge.

TBR Football understands Chelsea wanted to make sure that Hato was not waiting for Arsenal and Liverpool, and that he was fully committed to joining the Blues.

Chelsea are now pushing to get a deal over the line by coming to an agreement with Ajax.

On Thursday night, Hato was not in the Ajax squad for their Como Cup encounter with Celtic.

This is one of the most telling signs that a player could be in line for a move.