Chelsea and Tottenham are both jostling to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
The Dutchman is eager to leave Germany for a shot at the Premier League this summer after two years in the Bundesliga.
TBR Football understand Simons has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea – but the Blues are yet to agree a fee with RB Leipzig.
German news outlet BILD have since added that Tottenham are trying to hijack the deal after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.
However, Xavi Simons already has a dream club in mind, and it is neither Tottenham nor Chelsea.
Xavi Simons intends to return to Barcelona
The reliable Fabrizio Romano has previously revealed on numerous occasions that the Netherlands international hopes to return to Barcelona one day.
Simons spent nine years with Barcelona from 2010 to 2019 – joining the famous La Masia academy at the age of seven – before moving to PSG after all parties failed to agree a new contract.
While appreciative of the fact a return to Catalonia is not an option this summer, it remains a “dream” for the 22-year-old.
Romano posted earlier this summer: “Xavi Simons plans for potential summer move as concrete possibility. Premier League clubs are informed as it’s the most likely destination for fee around €75m (£64m) to RB Leipzig.
“Xavi dreams to play for Barca one day, but it’s unlikely for this summer.”
Romano also wrote for Give Me Sport: “One day, Simons would love to go back to the club after his experience in the academy as a kid.”
Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo have also added that Simons is “determined to make his way back to Barcelona” at some point in the future.
Therefore, whoever wins the race for his signature this summer between Chelsea and Tottenham should be wary of his underlying aspiration – it would be wise for either fanbase not to get too attached to the attacking midfielder if a move happens.
RB Leipzig are standing firm over Xavi Simons
If Chelsea and Tottenham fail to meet the asking price, RB Leipzig sound quite content to keep the man born in Amsterdam.
Marcel Schafer – Director of Football at RB Leipzig – suggested Simons will stay unless the asking price is met, telling Sky Sports: “As of today, Xavi will stay with us. We’ve always said that we make all decisions based on sporting and financial considerations, and that’s why Xavi is our player and why he played today.
“The transfer market is still open. You never know what’ll happen. I can’t guarantee that 100%. Everyone knows about his ambitions. He’s also told us that.
“There have certainly been a few exchanges in recent weeks. As we saw today, Xavi was in the starting line-up. So, there has been no agreement yet, and that’s why it will remain that way for now.”
If a move to the Premier League does materialise for Simons before the transfer deadline on Monday, it would not seem to be a long-term destination for him, with eyes on a romantic return to Barcelona.