A potential move to Tottenham for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons is now ‘getting really hot’, with the route to Chelsea having gone cold.
That’s according to BILD, who look at the pros and cons for Tottenham today as they seem to be a more likely destination for Simons at the end of the transfer window.
They say that Tottenham specifically inquired about a transfer with Simons’ agents some time ago but were told it was a case of him either joining Chelsea or staying with Leipzig this summer.
His agent, Ali Barat, has excellent connections at Chelsea after doing many deals with them in the past and that played its part. There was a conviction on both ends that a deal would work out somehow.
But now an extra round of negotiations are needed and that’s opened the door for Tottenham to potentially get him. They have an excellent relationship with Leipzig working in their favour.
Indeed, Leipzig supervisory board chairman Oliver Mintzlaf and Tottenham’s Daniel Levy know each other well and that will help facilitate matters.
One big plus point for Tottenham on the player’s side is their need for a playmaker in the number 10 role after they lost James Maddison. They’ve already tried to sign Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White for the position so it’s obvious it’s a key element for them. Simons would, therefore, be almost guaranteed a starring role.
Tottenham can also pay Leipzig’s €70m asking price, having already indicated they would do the same for Eze.
Simons is yet to be convinced of the move, particularly as Tottenham are unlikely to match his high wage demands. He already earns €11m a year at Leipzig. There’s also doubts about how well he would fit in under Thomas Frank.
But the idea is there and with Chelsea looking elsewhere, perhaps the opportunity to get the deal done too if Spurs want it.