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Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons after missing out on Ebere Eze to Arsenal.

Thomas Frank’s side made Eze his top attacking-midfield target earlier this month but the deal was hijacked by their arch-rivals.

Boyhood Gunners fan and former Hale End youngster Eze has had a smile on his face 24/7 since putting pen to paper on a senior return to north London, while the club’s top rivals were left reeling and searching for alternatives.

An attempt to lure Argentine wonderkid Nico Paz from Como failed.

Paz joined Como permanently from Real Madrid this summer, and the Spanish giants have a buy-back option that they are expected to exercise next summer. The message from them was (reportedly): Don’t go to Spurs because you’ll be coming to us in 2026.

There were rumours of Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss or Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, but they eventually landed on Leipzig maestro Simons.

Chelsea had been linked with the 22-year-old for weeks and an agreement on personal terms was in place.

Despite this, they never agreed a fee with Leipzig, which opened the door for Spurs to complete a transfer hijack of their own.

When it became clear that Spurs were frontrunners for Simons’ signature, Chelsea were essentially unbothered.

They’re currently focusing on outgoings after agreeing a £40million deal for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku among those heading for the exit door.

Still, it’s nice for Spurs to have the feeling they’ve finally got one over Chelsea, who have experience of hijacking their deals. Willian obviously comes straight to mind.

It felt like a hijack of the hijack was inevitable, but Spurs were decisive and they have a player with enormous potential, and someone who might be better than their original top target (after Morgan Gibbs-White) already.

There are clear positives to both deals, but Spurs have smashed it with the signing of someone five years younger, and arguably more dynamic, versatile, and dangerous.

Simons’ burst of pace and ability to produce that all-important end product will make him a difference maker for new head coach Frank.

And with him lining up alongside players like Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson, this is a very exciting team.

The total package for Simons is reportedly just over £56m, which is £12m under what Arsenal paid for Eze.

So, he’s cheaper than Eze, younger than Eze, has played at a higher level than Eze, has more international experience than Eze, and arguably has a higher ceiling than Eze.

We can debate who’s better all night long, but what is for sure is that Spurs have fallen upwards after the Gibbs-White and Eze shambles.

Statistically, Simons doesn’t blow Eze out of the water, but he is superior.

In Squawka’s key per 90 playmaking statistics, the ex-Crystal Palace favourite takes two of ten metrics, while they are joint for assists per 90 (0.3). Those two are shots on target (1.1 v 1.0), and take-ons completed (2.4 v 1.4).

Simons takes it for goals (0.5 v 0.3), chances created (2.1 v 2.0), pass accuracy (82.9% v 81.51%), through balls (1.0 v 0.4), fouls won (2.4 v 1.8), ball recoveries (5.4 v 5.1), and touches in the opposition’s box (3.7 v 3.6).

So the stats in which Simons leads, most are only marginally better, but they are better…

Football opinions should be decided on the pitch, though, not on paper, fancy spreadsheets or graphs.

What do you think? Spark a debate Under The Line…

And for the record, Simons was ahead of Eze in my available attacking midfielders feature. So, no, it’s not a knee-jerk opinion!

Tottenham have made an approach to sign Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji before the transfer deadline, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The north Londoners are looking to add more players to their squad before the transfer deadline with Thomas Frank overseeing a successful start to the new campaign.

Tottenham have turned loan deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel into permanent transfers this summer, while Mohammed Kudus, Luka Vuskovic, Kota Takai and Joao Palhinha have also arrived.

A new attacking midfielder was one of their priorities this summer, especially since James Maddison suffered an ACL injury that is likely to rule him out for most of the season, but they missed out on deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

However, Romano revealed earlier on Friday that Netherlands international Xavi Simons will be signing for Tottenham from RB Leipzig after a contract was signed.

Romano revealed on X: ‘BREAKING: Xavi Simons to Tottenham, here we go! All SIGNED between Spurs and RB Leipzig for fee worth €60m fixed after agreement revealed overnight. Xavi has completed his medical and his contract is also now signed. Contract until 2030 + 2 year option.’

READ: Arsenal get lucky in ranking of Premier League teams by Champions League draw difficulty

And now Romano has brought more positive transfer news for Spurs fans with Tottenham pursuing a move for Manchester City centre-back Akanji.

Frank is looking to add more depth in that area of the pitch and now Tottenham have made an approach for Akanji, who has also been linked with Crystal Palace.

Romano added on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham make approach with Man City for Manuel Akanji, one of 3 names on shortlist. AC Milan are also in talks over move for the defender, ready to pay £15m fee but still in talks over personal terms #THFC and Milan want CB before the end of the window.’

After missing out on Eze to Arsenal earlier this month, Tottenham boss Frank made it absolutely “clear” that he only wanted to sign players who “want to come to the club”.

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Frank said: “To make it very, very clear, I don’t want any players who don’t want to come to the club and wear this fantastic badge.

“We don’t want them here, that’s very clear. The fans also feel the same. If they don’t want to play for the club, really enjoy it, no problem. We don’t want them here. That’s the message.”

The Spurs boss added: “Whoever the player is, whoever they support I don’t care too much about. We all have a past. The main thing is the player wants to come. If they’re from Spain, Brazil, Denmark… if they want to come, perfect.”

Tottenham will keep pushing in their attempts to sign Savinho from Manchester City despite the Citizens’ strong stance, according to reports.

Spurs have been looking to add to attacking areas of their squad over the last couple of months with Tottenham missing out on deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

Their search for an attacking midfielder took on extra importance recently with James Maddison picking up an ACL injury that is likely to rule him out for most of the new season.

As revealed earlier today, RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons emerged as their top target as he completed a medical but the Netherlands international has now signed a contract at Tottenham too.

That has led to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano giving his ‘here we go’ confirmation to the deal with the transfer worth around €60m.

Romano wrote on X: ‘BREAKING: Xavi Simons to Tottenham, here we go! All SIGNED between Spurs and RB Leipzig for fee worth €60m fixed after agreement revealed overnight. Xavi has completed his medical and his contract is also now signed. Contract until 2030 + 2 year option.’

READ: Arsenal get lucky in ranking of Premier League teams by Champions League draw difficulty

Writing in The Athletic, journalist David Ornstein added: ‘The clubs have agreed a deal worth €60million (£51.8m; $70m) for the 22-year-old Netherlands international attacker, who has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further two seasons.

‘Personal terms are also in place and Simons completed a medical on Thursday ahead of finalising the proposed transfer to the north London side, which is now only subject to Simons closing off the last details of his exit with Leipzig.’

Tottenham also remain interested in signing Man City winger Savinho this summer despite having bids rejected by the Citizens earlier this month.

Our friends at TEAMtalk have revealed that, despite Man City’s insistence that the Brazilian is not for sale, the player’s stance has ‘encouraged them to keep pushing’.

Spurs ‘have not completely pulled away from a deal’ and they will keep lines of communication open ahead of the deadline as they hope to do a deal for the Brazil star.

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👉 Five England players with World Cup ambitions who need a transfer this summer

Tottenham have made a perfect start to the new Premier League season with Thomas Frank’s side beating Burnley and Man City in their opening two fixtures of the campaign.

And Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was impressed by how Frank’s outfit set up against Man City in their 2-0 victory last weekend.

Carragher said on Sky Sports on Monday: “When I think about teams playing against Pep’s teams, the only team I would say who really went after them and never really changed was Klopp’s Liverpool, because they felt, ‘we’re as good as you, we’re not going to change our game for you’.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a team braver than Tottenham. Van de Ven, the left centre back in a back four, jumps here, and Romero comes in behind Haaland.

“I’ve never seen a situation where the two full-backs are on the halfway line with the two wingers and the two centre-backs are higher up.

“Normally, you see a situation where the full-backs are high and your centre-backs are at the back, but it’s completely the opposite because it was a man-to-man system. Really, really brave.”

Tottenham are set to seal the signing of Netherlands international Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig after he completed a medical, according to reports.

Spurs have been searching for a new attacking midfielder for months with their recruitment team failing in attempts to sign Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

Their need for a new player in that position has ramped up in recent weeks with James Maddison suffering an ACL injury that is likely to keep him out for most of the season.

And now Tottenham are looking to get a deal for Simons wrapped up quickly with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing that Spurs are looking to get a ‘deal done today’ for the RB Leipzig attacking midfielder.

The Italian journalist claimed in the early hours of Friday morning that he expected a ‘here we go soon’ with a €60m (£51.8m) ‘bid accepted’ for the 22-year-old.

Romano wrote on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham agree €60m fee with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons! Official bid accepted, green light after #THFC sent formal bid following player’s encouragement. Spurs want deal done today also on player side + medical in the next hours. Here we go, expected soon.’

READ: Arsenal get lucky in ranking of Premier League teams by Champions League draw difficulty

And now The Athletic‘s David Ornstein insists that Tottenham are ‘are set to complete the signing’ of Simons after he passed a medical ahead of a transfer.

Ornstein added: ‘Personal terms are also in place and Simons completed a medical on Thursday ahead of finalising the proposed transfer to the north London side, which is now only subject to Simons closing off the last details of his exit with Leipzig.’

Tottenham have won both of their opening two Premier League matches against Burnley and Manchester City and Gary Neville was impressed by their performance against the latter.

Neville told NBC Sports: “I thought Tottenham ran all over them; they looked a little bit like an old team, City, which was worrying.

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“Tottenham pressed and hurried really well. Thomas Frank has come in and done a really good job in the first couple of weeks, but yeah, worrying signs for City, because that was a strong team they had out.

“We’ve seen [Frank] in three games, big games in the last couple of weeks, and what he’s done is adapt his style to each game and, obviously, a big criticism of Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou was that they never changed, they were always the same.

“You could predict exactly what they were going to do, and in the end, it was a sorry state for them. But what you’ve seen with Frank: he’ll go five at the back, he’s gone four at the back, they’ll press high, sometimes they’ll sit deep.”

Neville added: “We’re seeing a little bit more, I think, of a change in this last 12 to 18 months, where we’re seeing the old style of football return.

“It’s been this way for a few years that you’ve got to have a philosophy, you’ve got to have a way of playing, and now it seems we’ve got a few managers near the top end who are adapting from game to game. I think Thomas Frank is adapting from game to game, he’s getting the best out of the players that he’s got.

““It was a little embarrassing for them in midweek, losing Eze to Arsenal, that was a bad one for them, but they recovered really well to get a great result, he’s started well, and the players seem to be thriving under him.”

Tottenham have now made an offer for Xavi Simons, but he’s already agreed personal terms with Chelsea. This all feels very Eberechi Eze.

Even assuming Chelsea complete the £35-40m signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, Christopher Nkunku’s seemingly imminent move to AC Milan for roughly the same fee will mean the Blues’ net spend this summer will still be roughly zero despite it ranking comfortably in the top ten biggest transfer windows of all time.

An exit for Axel Disasi looks set to further boost their coffers, with Saudi Pro League side NEOM the very welcome suitors now rivalling Sunderland and Bournemouth for the Frenchman’s signature. And Nicolas Jackson could yet provide a significant windfall this summer as Chelsea reportedly wait for a conclusion to the Alexander Isak saga to see if Newcastle’s – or indeed Liverpool’s – desperate chase for a striker leads them to make a late bid for the Senegal striker.

At the very least it looks as though Bayern Munich are willing to pay a hefty loan fee for his services, with Chelsea doing their level best to ensure an obligation to buy next summer.

In short, Chelsea have cash to burn with more yet to come. And that’s a problem for Tottenham.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Tottenham have now ‘officially submitted an offer’ for the Netherlands international.

Plettenberg wrote 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. #CFC.’

Chelsea have though agreed personal terms with Simons, who told RB Leipzig weeks ago that he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge. It’s as yet unclear how the 22-year-old feels about a potential move to Tottenham. Fabrizio Romano claims he has ‘arrived in London with his camp in order to clarify future move soon’.

Tottenham’s need is far greater than Chelsea’s. After James Maddison’s long-term injury, their failure to prise Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolves, Eberechi Eze’s snub in favour of Arsenal and Aston Villa shutting the door to Morgan Rogers’ exit, they’re almost at Newcastle striker levels of desperation in their bid to get a new playmaker through the door.

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👉 Five England players with World Cup ambitions who need a transfer this summer

For Chelsea however, as is the case with Garnacho, it feels as though Simons is barely a want, let alone a need. Ousting Cole Palmer from the starting lineup is an impossibility anyway, and even if he’s injured as he was for West Ham and likely again for Fulham on Saturday, Enzo Fernandez proved himself perfectly capable of playing in that No.10 position when asked to last season by Enzo Maresca, who has also confirmed Joao Pedro as an option for that role.

No one will be claiming Chelsea are light on attacking players if Simons ends up at Tottenham. But such is their position of financial strength after Champions League qualification, the Club World Cup win and an excellent selling summer, Chelsea might just consider buying Simons – who they do clearly like – merely to stop their title rivals (yes, that’s right) from getting him.

Tottenham are in the same spot Newcastle found themselves in when trying to sign Hugo Ekitike and then Benjamin Sesko, with Chelsea the Big Boy here instead of Liverpool or Manchester United, or indeed what they themselves endured when Arsenal decided they actually did quite fancy Eberechi Eze, thank you very much.

Having been sold on the idea of Chelsea well over a month ago, Simons will have spent most of his time since picturing his life at Stamford Bridge – the manager he will be working under, the players he’ll be playing with, the famed ‘project’ he will be a part of. As was clearly the case with Eze, pivoting from a dream destination isn’t easy.

The question is whether Tottenham can persuade Simons before Chelsea come calling, because if they do, we suspect Daniel Levy will be forced back to the drawing board once more.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed a major update on a potential swap deal between Tottenham and Newcastle involving Richarlison, as Spurs make their first offer for Xavi Simons.

Thomas Frank’s side have stayed perfect so far this season with consecutive Premier League victories over Burnley and Manchester City providing the former Brentford boss a roaring start to his tenure.

James Maddison’s ACL injury, which is likely to rule him out for most of the season, has seen Tottenham ramp up their efforts to bring in a new attacking midfielder before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

Tottenham had pursued deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze earlier this summer and now it looks like they have settled on a potential deal for Chelsea target Simons, who plays for RB Leipzig.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Tottenham have now ‘officially submitted an offer’ for the Netherlands international.

Plettenberg wrote 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. #CFC.’

READ: Spurs handed playmaker shortlist after Eze disaster as best available attacking midfielders ranked

Richarlison has been linked with a move away over the summer transfer window but his key contributions over the opening couple of fixtures could now see him stay.

Transfer expert Romano has addressed rumours that Newcastle could look to complete a swap deal for the Brazil international before the window shuts.

Romano told the Men In Blazers podcast: “Look, every summer we have rumours about Richarlison leaving. Every transfer window, January, summer, is always about that.

“But then it’s never close because the player is very happy at Tottenham and I’m hearing that Thomas Frank is also very happy with him.

“So I’m not sure he’s leaving. I also heard some rumours about a Newcastle player maybe being included in some deal. But I’m told that this is not the case.

“Richarlison is very happy at Tottenham. I see him staying and I see Tottenham signing two players up front before the end of the season, but not losing Richarlison.”

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Tottenham have also shown interest in Man City winger Savinho but the Citizens have ruled out a transfer before the transfer market closes.

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has revealed: “City’s hierarchy’s stance was always the same with Savinho; they did not want him to leave. Yes, they showed an interest in Rodrygo, but it was always difficult, and they maintained their stance on Savinho.

“However, I am told that Savinho really wanted the Spurs move and still does; the window remains open until Monday, and he hopes the deal could happen.

“Spurs will remain attentive to the situation, should they get any encouragement; however, they have also made it clear to Savinho they are moving forward with other targets too.”

Top Chelsea target Xavi Simons is now set to join Tottenham before the end of the summer transfer window, according to reports in Germany.

The Blues had been in hot pursuit of the Netherlands international as they looked to add another attacking midfielder to their ranks before the end of the market.

But widespread reports revealed on Wednesday that Tottenham are now looking to jump ahead of Chelsea in the queue to sign Simons from RB Leipzig this summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday: “Tottenham will not advance or bid for Xavi Simons while Chelsea are still in for him!.

“Chelsea remains in negotiations, and advanced talks with the player. It’s really important for Nkunku to go.”

And now German newspaper Bild seem to indicate that Simons will be on his way to Tottenham, and not Chelsea, in the final few days of the transfer window.

READ: Spurs handed playmaker shortlist after Eze disaster as best available attacking midfielders ranked

Bild claim that Simons is ‘about to move’ to Spurs – who are looking to sign a replacement for the injured James Maddison – with the Dutchman ‘in London’ with ‘training this morning is already taking place without him’.

It is understood that ‘everything now points to a move to Premier League club Tottenham, where Xavi and his entourage will hold further talks this Thursday’.

The report adds that ‘the clubs have already exchanged verbal figures in initial exploratory talks’ with Leipzig looking to reach ‘€70 million, including bonuses’ for Simons’ transfer.

Bild continues: ‘For a long time, Chelsea FC was considered the hottest lead, and Xavi and his agent Ali Barat, who has excellent connections in England, had agreed to the club. But the “Blues” have now set their sights on Fermín López (22) from FC Barcelona and have even made the club a €50 million offer for the Spaniard.’

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👉 Five England players with World Cup ambitions who need a transfer this summer

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg also added his update on Simons, he wrote on X: ‘BREAKING | Tottenham are now preparing to hijack the imminent deal for #Xavi Simons to Chelsea.

‘Xavi has been excused from team duties due to contract talks and is no longer in Leipzig, as RB confirm. #CFC #COYS Xavi and Chelsea still have a full agreement in place – and Chelsea remain very much in the race, now alongside Tottenham. Leipzig are waiting for official offers.’

Chelsea have been boosted in their pursuit of Fermin or another midfielder with transfer expert Romano giving his ‘here we go’ confirmation to Christopher Nkunku’s move to AC Milan.

Romano has claimed that Chelsea are set to bring in around €42m, including add-ons, for the France international, he wrote on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan, here we go! Deal verbally agreed in principle between the clubs. AC Milan and Chelsea are set to prepare documents today, fee will be in the region of €35m with add-ons. Nkunku said yes to 5 year contract yesterday, as revealed.’

Romano added: ‘Understand the total package for Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan can reach €42m, add-ons included. Chelsea accept initial fixed fee higher than €35m plus add-ons.’

Tottenham have been told to go out and sign Xavi Simons despite the RB Leipzig midfielder seeming to be on the verge of a move to Chelsea.

The Stamford Bridge side have been working for a number of weeks to sign the Dutchman but with less than a week to go, the former PSG and Barcelona midfielder remains in Germany.

Tottenham were reported to have entered the race but TEAMtalk journalist Fraser Fletcher suggests that the player only has eyes for Chelsea.

‘Simons has rejected advances from Tottenham Hotspur, signaling his preference to join the Blues. Leipzig, however, are holding firm on a £70million valuation – and player sales may be required for Chelsea to match this price tag.’

But despite that warning, former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that after missing out on Eze, Spurs should pull off a hijack of their own and convince Simons to join them instead of Chelsea.

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“Missing out on Eze was a huge blow for Tottenham,” he said.

“It’s a position the manager wants to strengthen because of the injury to James Maddison.

“But now they’re going to have to look at a few other options.

“I’m a bit worried about Tottenham and how they’ve struggled to get deals over the line, and I think too much of it has played out in the public eye.

“But one player I hear they’ve been looking at is Xavi Simons.

“I’ve heard good things about him, and he’s clearly a decent player because Chelsea have been interested in him for pretty much the whole summer.

“If Tottenham have identified him as an option, they’ll have to move quickly and quietly to get it done.

“They can’t afford to keep missing out on targets.

“If they want him, go and get him, and do it without making everybody aware of what you’re doing.”

Simons is not the only target on Spurs’ radar as Daniel Levy gets ready for his typically late transfer business.

The latest reports suggest they are also looking at Morgan Rogers and are hoping to capitalise on Aston Villa’s PSR issues, although a move remains unlikely.

Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel that Spurs had been approaching many clubs for a new midfielder but have yet to arrive on a target.

“Morgan Rogers is a dream target but Villa don’t want to sell,” Romano said. “So it looks very difficult.

“In the last 24-48 hours, they’ve made calls for other players: Lucas Paqueta at West Ham and Semenyo at Bournemouth. Soon it’s time to make final decisions and Spurs movements are going to be one to watch in the final days of the window.”

According to reports, a final ‘decision’ has been made on Morgan Rogers’ future amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur, who are ‘focused’ on two signings.

Thomas Frank‘s side have made a perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign, winning their opening two Premier League games against Burnley and Manchester City.

Summer signings Mohammed Kudus and Joao Pahlinha have made an instant impact at Spurs, though more recruits are required as they prepare for their Champions League return.

Tottenham’s top priority is to sign a new No.10 to fill the void left by James Maddison, but they have already missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze amid a tapping-up allegation and a hijack from Arsenal.

Despite this, it has been suggested that the north London outfit could pull off a coup in the final few days of this transfer window as they have been linked with Aston Villa star Rogers.

READ: Spurs handed playmaker shortlist after Eze disaster as best available attacking midfielders ranked

The England international was one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season, but reports have suggested that Aston Villa could be forced to sell their prized asset in this window amid their PSR issues.

However, GiveMeSport are reporting that the Villans have ‘decided’ to ‘price Rogers out of a last-minute move away from Villa Park as head coach Unai Emery has no intentions of sanctioning his departure’ with Spurs ‘circling’.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has backed up this report and has revealed several potential alternatives, with Tottenham “focused” on two signings.

“For Spurs, the focus now is to find a No.10 and a winger,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

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“Spurs haven’t left the table for Savinho yet. But it still depends on Manchester City. The story for Rodrygo and Man City – the only way for the Savinho deal to happen – is still not accelerating because it depends on the pricing on Rodrygo, and his pricing and salary is way higher than that of Savinho.

“That’s why we don’t have a green light yet. It’s not something that’s advancing at this point but everything is open.

“Tottenham are calling for several players. They called for Tyler Dibling but never made a bid. They made an enquiry but the player went to Everton.

“They called for Xavi Simons but he’s already in agreement with Chelsea. Morgan Rogers is a dream target but Villa don’t want to sell. So it looks very difficult.

“In the last 24-48 hours, they’ve made calls for other players: Lucas Paqueta at West Ham and Semenyo at Bournemouth. Soon it’s time to make final decisions and Spurs movements are going to be one to watch in the final days of the window.”

Spurs are also working on exits, with Romano revealing on Monday that they have given a ‘green light’ for Luka Vuskovic to leave.

He said on X: “EXCL: HSV Hamburg get green light from Tottenham for Luka Vusković to join the club on loan.

“No buy option, straight loan as seen as key part of future project at #THFC and huge talent.”

An unwanted Arsenal player appears in this ranking of the top 10 attacking midfielders who are available for transfer this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur desperately chasing a player in that position.

Thomas Frank’s side have failed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, Ebere Eze and Nico Paz. Will any of these 10 tickle their fancy?

We also have the best available strikers, centre-backs, wingers, and defensive midfielders.

Arsenal want rid of Vieira, who has interest from Stuttgart. It’s gone awfully quiet and the Gunners need to make some sales before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Portuguese playmaker cost Arsenal over £30m in the 2022 summer transfer window and he’s struggled to adapt to English football. It’s a little too physical for him, but Vieira is a talented player with immense technical ability.

Ukraine international Sudakov scored 13 times in the Premier Liga last season and remains one of Europe’s most highly rated young midfielders.

He’s been billed as the next big Shakhtar sale ever since Mykhaylo Mudryk left for Chelsea in January 2023, and it’s genuinely surprising that move hasn’t materialised yet. A forgettable Euro 2024 might have cooled interest, but Sudakov responded with a stellar season for the Ukrainian Cup winners.

Even more surprising: Shakhtar finished third in the league in 2024/25 behind invincible champions(!) Dynamo Kyiv and FC Oleksandriya.

An unknown quantity to most, no doubt, Nebel was on the scoresheet in the Under-21 European Championship final for Germany against England, but could not prevent his nation from losing in extra time.

The 22-year-old might’ve got sent off in Mainz’s Bundesliga opening fixture against FC Cologne, but he’s really good, we promise.

After a successful six months on loan at Aston Villa, Asensio’s future is unclear. He isn’t in Luis Enrique’s plans and a move to Turkey collapsed early on this summer. It’s surprising that no Premier League clubs are in for him, considering his performances at Villa Park.

A loan move will suit most interested clubs, with the Spaniard earning a cool £300,000 per week in Paris, including bonuses. Mad money, that. He’s out of contract next summer though.

Leicester were utterly awful in 2024/25 but El Khannouss is clearly a very talented footballer. At just 21, he won’t want to waste time playing in the Championship — though if he does stay, he might well end up with 20 goals and 20 assists.

The Foxes paid around £18m for the Moroccan last summer and will likely want at least double to sell him. Crystal Palace were reportedly close to signing him, but a deal has collapsed. It’s anyone’s guess where he ends up now.

Surely available for the right price, Kang would improve most starting XIs in the Premier League.

That’s not to say every player here outside the Premier League should move to the Premier League, because there are other leagues than the Premier League that these non-Premier League players can play in. Apparently.

Having cleared his name of gambling offences, Brazilian maestro Paqueta will be able to enjoy his football once again, but he might not do so at West Ham. Reports say he can leave the Hammers for £25m, and if the buying club gets him at his best, that would be one of the bargains of the window.

Elliott does not want another season as a bit-part player at Anfield. He said in June:

“I’m coming into an age now where I’m 22, I’m going to be 23 next season. I don’t really want to be wasting years on my career because it’s a short career. I just want to improve and be the best possible version of myself. If that’s to go somewhere else, then it’s a decision that I’m going to have to make… but most importantly, it’s just about what’s best for my career.”

So he’s off, then.

Elliott has never nailed down a starting role at Liverpool, so it’s unclear how he’d adapt to being the main man elsewhere. But we’re fairly confident he’ll do well. His England Under-21 performances at this summer’s European Championship have been fantastic as well.

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Villa fans might deny he’s available, and they’re probably right, but silly, silly money would tempt the club into a significant sale to further ease Profit and Sustainability worries after Jacob Ramsey’s departure.

Rogers has been electric in 2025. He scored a Champions League hat-trick against Celtic in January and grabbed eight goal contributions in 10 league games between February and March.

Arsenal were also linked, though it’s desperate Spurs who are the most likely to land the England international.

Rogers can play on the left, but his best position is in the 10, where his pace, strength and dribbling cause chaos.

Despite an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign for Simons and Leipzig, the Netherlands playmaker is the subject of plenty of transfer speculation, and rumours of a move to Chelsea are strong. Again, Arsenal were previously linked, but it’s their London rivals in the driving seat, having been assisted by Mikel Arteta taking Noni Madueke off their hands for around £50m.

After Leipzig failed to qualify for the Champions League, Simons wants to leave, only a year after joining permanently from PSG. The German club have already made the huge sale of Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, but the Dutchman is still expected to leave. Even if the Chelsea rumours have gone quiet.

Simons wasn’t great last season. However, his numbers do a lot of talking: 43 goals and 34 assists in his last 124 club games. Whoever signs him is getting a bona fide star. Cole Palmer and Simons would be some link-up. But Spurs have to hijack this one.