Tottenham Hotspur are attempting to hijack Chelsea’s proposed move for RB Leipzig superstar Xavi Simons.
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The Netherlands international has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Enzo Maresca’s side, however the Blues are yet to finalise a deal with Leipzig and Spurs are now eager to win the race for his signature.
The north London giants saw their move for Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze hijacked by Arsenal last week and they are now determined to do the same to Chelsea with Simons.
Spurs have been in talks with Simons for several days and they have now submitted a concrete offer, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg. He posted on X: “EXCLUSIVE | Tottenham have now officially submitted an offer to RB Leipzig for #Xavi Simons!
"It is already close to the offer that RB are expecting – €70 million all-in. No offer from Chelsea yet..”
German publication BILD have also revealed that Tottenham are pushing to sign Simons, with the Dutchman currently in London to discuss a possible move to the reigning Europa League champions.
Spurs have now matched RB Leipzig’s €70m asking price as they search for a replacement for the injured James Maddison and it's up to Chelsea to respond.
However, the Blues have seemingly set their sights on completing a deal for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez instead, and they have lodged a new €65m proposal for the 22-year-old.
Xavi Simons to Chelsea OFF?
Simons’ proposed move to Chelsea isn’t yet off, but the Blues now face a race against time to finalise a deal before Tottenham.
Maresca’s side are, however, prioritising player sales as things stand, with the club eager to trim down their first-team squad before the end of Deadline Day on 1 September.
They have reached an agreement to sell Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan, while the Blues are also determined to offload the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling.
Tyrique George may depart too, with Chelsea on the verge of signing Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho as his replacement.
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