Chelsea are not expected to attempt to hijack Tottenham’s deal to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, journalist Matt Law has revealed.
The Stamford Bridge side have been heavily linked with a move for the Dutch international in recent weeks but never made a formal bid and now have other targets in mind.
Chelsea are also reportedly not looking to burn bridges with Spurs after enjoying a positive relationship with the North London side over recent years, with any attempt to hijack Simons’ deal now ruled out.
Tottenham reached an agreement with Leipzig on Thursday over a deal worth €60m (£51.8m) for Simons, with personal terms also in place.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is set to become Spurs’ fifth senior arrival of the summer window, with an official announcement pending following his successful medical.
Chelsea Not Looking to Hijack Simons Deal
Law, writing on X, revealed that Chelsea never made a formal bid for Simons despite being linked for weeks, with Spurs now close to signing the 22-year-old:
Simons completed his medical on Thursday ahead of finalising his proposed move to Spurs, which is now only subject to the 22-year-old closing off the final details of his exit with Leipzig.
Spurs have identified the Dutch international as a late alternative to Eberechi Eze, who snubbed long-standing interest from the North London side and opted for rivals Arsenal instead.
Tottenham also missed out on Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer, with their efforts intensifying to sign a new playmaker following James Maddison’s injury.
The England international is expected to miss around six months of action following an ACL setback, while Dejan Kulusevski is also unavailable after suffering a knee injury in May.
Chelsea, meanwhile, agreed a £40m deal with Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho on Thursday and are also exploring a move for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, with club-to-club talks ongoing.