Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly launched a bid for Xavi Simons, aiming to hijack Chelsea's long-standing transfer plans for the RB Leipzig midfielder. Simons, a 22-year-old Dutch international, is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, and is currently in London to discuss his future.
Chelsea have been linked with Simons for much of the summer window and have reportedly agreed to personal terms with the player. However, no official offer has been made yet. Chelsea's need to sell players before making further acquisitions could provide Tottenham with an opportunity to swoop in. It is also reported that Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Alejandro Garnacho and exploring a deal for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez which could open the door for Spurs to move for Simons.
Tottenham's pursuit of Simons comes after they missed out on signing Eberechi Eze. With James Maddison sidelined due to a long-term injury and Dejan Kulusevski also out, Spurs are keen to bolster their creative options. They view Simons as a suitable alternative, capable of playing as a No. 10 or on the wings.
RB Leipzig are reportedly seeking around €70 million (£60m) for Simons, although they might accept a lower offer. Some reports suggest the asking price is at least €65 million (£56m). Leipzig have confirmed that Simons has been released from training to discuss a potential transfer.
While some reports indicate that Tottenham are now the most likely destination for Simons, others claim that Simons' preference remains Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano has also downplayed Tottenham's efforts, stating that they have not yet made a bid for the player. Despite this, Simons is said to be increasingly open to a move to Tottenham.
Simons, who previously played for Barcelona's youth academy and Paris Saint-Germain, has a contract with Leipzig until 2027. He has expressed his desire to leave after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League. His versatility and attacking prowess have made him a sought-after player, with other clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United also being linked with him in the past.
Chelsea have reportedly made a €45 million transfer agreement that will allow them to push to sign Xavi Simons. Personal terms have been agreed with the RB Leipzig attacking midfielder for weeks, but a hold up has been caused by the Premier League side waiting to make sales before concluding the deal. Chelsea have been seeking to sell Christopher Nkunku and have struck an agreement with AC Milan that will get their transfer market moving again.