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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.

Premier League side Tottenham have made yet another offer to sign Nico Paz from Italian outfit Como this summer, according to reports.

Spurs lost out on top target Eberechi Eze last week to Arsenal with their north London rivals swooping last minute to sign the England international.

James Maddison’s ACL injury will likely rule him out for most of the new season and Tottenham are keen to bring in at least one new attacker before the transfer window closes.

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta, who was on the verge of a move to Manchester City just a year ago, is now on their list with the Daily Mail claiming Tottenham are ‘showing an interest’ in the Brazil international.

The Daily Mail wrote: ‘Having missed out on Eze, Tottenham are also showing interest in West Ham attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta along with Aston Villa.

‘Paqueta has endured a difficult time after facing betting allegations and is open to leaving for a Champions League club.’

READ: Arsenal break Spurs transfer record, Liverpool bring in ‘next Mane’ and Chelsea agree deals for £56.9m trio

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano ruled out Paz moving to Tottenham this summer with Real Madrid a more likely destination in a year’s time.

Romano said on his YouTube channel on Monday: “Nico Paz on the pitch is wonderful. He’s a special player and scored a wonderful free kick against Lazio, but Real Madrid have control of the player.

“Officially, he’s a Como player but Real Madrid have matching rights, 50% sell-on clause and a buy-back clause for 2026 for €10 million. He’s probably worth €50,60,70m.

“Tottenham Hotspur, after missing out on Eberechi Eze in midweek, presented an official bid to Como via intermediaries. That was worth more than €70m package, add-ons included.

“Real Madrid sources tell me the answer was very clear. The player wants to stay at Como this season. Como want to keep the player, even if the opportunity was there for big money – but remember, they’d only take 50%. So it was going to be €30-35m add-ons included.

“But Nico Paz wants to stay with Como and work with Cesc Fabregas. Although the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Tottenham was a big chance but Como, Cesc Fabregas and the chance to play on a regular basis was perfect for him. So he decides to stay but also because Real Madrid have told Como that they will compensate them in the player.

“The relationship between the clubs is excellent. It’s very likely that Nico Paz will join Real Madrid in 2026. They told Como they would match any bid for Paz. So the Nico Paz to Tottenham is over for now.”

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However, Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo insists that Tottenham have increased their ‘offer’ to €80m (£69m) after having two bids rejected of €40m and €65m plus €10m.

The report adds that Tottenham are ‘ready to raise the stakes and push beyond the 80 million euro mark for a player who immediately enchanted Como fans and opponents with all kinds of magic in the league debut match against Lazio (first the assist for Douvikas’ 1-0, then the pearl from a free kick that made it 2-0)’.

But in a further blow to Spurs, the report continues: ‘The feeling, barring any sensational (and currently unthinkable) twists, is that Nico Paz will remain in Como for the season just begun.’

Spurs insider John Wenham reckons Paqueta could offer Tottenham a “better value” option than Paz, while Manchester City are asking for big money for Savinho too.

Wenham told Tottenham News: “My left-field suggestion at this point, keeping in mind that Tottenham have already done a deal with West Ham this summer, is we now go and get Paqueta.

“The fact that we’ve gone in and got a player from West Ham already tells me a deal could be done, whether they would sell twice in one summer, I don’t know, but I would now go and get Paqueta, and I think it’s an outstanding player.

“I think he’s probably available for £40-45m. I think there’s better value in that deal than spending £80m, plus what they’re now talking about on Savinho.”

According to reports, Chelsea are ‘working hard to finalise’ a ‘blockbuster £120m double deal’ amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea earned their first win of the 2025/26 Premier League season on Friday, beating London rivals 5-1 at the London Stadium.

Summer signings Joao Pedro and Estevao made a huge impact in this victory, with these additions part of Chelsea’s £246m summer spend in this transfer window.

The Blues are still arguably lacking in the goalkeeper and centre-back departments, though it appears that their priority in the coming days is to further strengthen their attack, with Manchester United’s Alejanadro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons reportedly their main targets.

However, Chelsea’s deals for these two players are yet to be sealed as it’s been reported that they need exits to balance the books before they can secure their services.

READ: Arsenal now above Chelsea at top of five-year Premier League net spend table!

And with Chelsea dilly-dallying, this has opened the door for rivals to make a move and a report on Monday from Caught Offside claimed Spurs are ‘planning a hijack’ for Simons.

‘At present, Chelsea remain the frontrunners for his signature. The Blues already have a verbal agreement in place on personal terms with the player, but progress has stalled as the club continues to prioritise outgoings before sanctioning new arrivals.

‘That delay has created a window of opportunity for other suitors, and Tottenham are now monitoring developments very closely.’

Despite this, it has been widely reported that Simons and Garnacho are waiting on a move to Chelsea, who have been given a potential boost.

This is because German outlet BILD are reporting that Bayern Munich and Chelsea have an ‘agreement’ over a loan deal for Nicolas Jackson as they look to beat Aston Villa and Newcastle United to sign the striker.

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The Blues are also looking to offload Christopher Nkunku, with journalist Fraser Fletcher for our pals at TEAMtalk claims they are ‘working hard to finalise’ a ‘blockbuster double deal’ including Garnacho and Simons before next Monday’s transfer deadline.

The report claims:

‘Sources confirm that the Blues and United have reached a mutual understanding over a deal for Garnacho, with the transfer fee expected to be around £50million. He has openly expressed his desire to join Chelsea and has verbally agreed personal terms on a long-term contract.

‘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.’

Regarding Simons, German journalist Florian Plettenberg confirmed that Chelsea “remain keen” on Simons.

He said on X: “Chelsea remain keen on signing Xavi #Simons until Deadline Day.

“RB super boss Oliver Mintzlaff was recently in direct contact with Chelsea regarding Xavi, who is reportedly agreed with #CFC until 2031.

“However, Chelsea are still waiting on offloads of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. Harvey Elliott remains the number one candidate to replace Xavi.”

According to reports, Arsenal have an ‘agreement’ for Tottenham Hotspur target Piero Hincapie, while another star is due for a ‘medical’ today.

The Gunners have not messed around in this transfer window, as they are second to Liverpool in this summer’s biggest spenders in Europe ranking.

Arsenal have completed seven summer signings for over £250m combined, landing Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

With these additions, the north London side have landed most of their priority transfer targets, but they remain in the market for additions to fill the void left by anticipated exits.

Earlier this week, it emerged that they have hijacked Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Bayer Leverkusen star Hincapie after beating their north London rivals to land Eze.

Hincapie has a release clause worth around 60 million euros (£52m) in his Bayer Leverkusen contract and it’s emerged that he has decided to leave the Bundesliga side before this transfer window closes.

READ: Premier League prize money table revealed: Arsenal leapfrogged by Liverpool and shock team

The 23-year-old has been one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga in recent years and has been sporadically linked with a move to the Premier League.

Liverpool have previously been heavily linked with a move for Hincapie, though Arsenal have moved to the front of the queue for his signature.

Arsenal are already well stocked in defence, though they have made a move for Hincapie to replace Jakub Kiwior, who is being targeted by Porto.

Hincapie would be a like-for-like replacement for the Poland international as each versatile player can play at centre-back and left-back.

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Kiwior to Porto would open the door for Hincapie to join Arsenal, with Fabrizio Romano revealing on Tuesday morning that the Gunners star has attracted an ‘official bid’ from the Portuguese outfit.

He said on X: “FC Porto official bid for Jakub Kiwior has just been received by Arsenal.

“Fee in excess of €25m package add-ons included on loan with obligation to buy.

“Kiwior has already said yes to Porto, #AFC in talks over details of the bid.”

Portuguese outlet A Bola, meanwhile, claims ‘Kiwior will join FC Porto and is expected to undergo a medical and sign a contract on Tuesday night’.

Regarding Hincapie, Romano has indicated that a key ‘agreement’ has already been reached with the player.

He added: “Piero Hincapié has said yes to Arsenal and personal terms have been agreed, long term deal ready!

“Understand Hincapié favors #AFC and also seen as ideal signing by Arteta.

“Arsenal prepare opening bid, likely loan + obligation to buy… with Kiwior to FC Porto, soon.”

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of signing Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers before this transfer window closes have been boosted.

Spurs are working hard to secure deals before this transfer window shuts next Monday, with the north London club scouring the market for a suitable alternative to Eberechi Eze.

Tottenham moved to the front of the queue for Eze and looked likely to secure his services until Arsenal performed a dramatic late hijack to steal the England international.

This was pretty embarrassing for Spurs, but they are looking to put that right as they are plotting an ambitious move for Rogers.

The 23-year-old is arguably Aston Villa’s most valuable asset after he enjoyed a remarkable breakout season in 2024/25, grabbing eight goals and ten assists in the Premier League.

READ: Arsenal break Spurs transfer record, Liverpool bring in ‘next Mane’ and Chelsea agree deals for £56.9m trio

Aston Villa would prefer to keep Rogers for this season at least, but it has been suggested that they could be forced to cash in on the England international due to their PSR issues.

Earlier this week, a report claimed Spurs intend to step up their interest in Rogers if they fail to secure an agreement with Man City over winger Savinho.

And a report from Football Insider claims Rogers to Spurs is plausible, with Aston Villa ‘preparing to lose’ the attacking midfielder.

Aston Villa are said to be bracing for the ‘unpalatable scenario’ of losing Rogers in the final days of this window ‘in exchange for a late signing spree’, while Spurs are ‘accelerating a deal’.

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The report adds:

‘Villa have already completed the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United this summer, in an attempt to balance the books. However, Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Tottenham are accelerating a move for Rogers, and are hoping to agree a cut-price deal due to the Villains’ financial problems.

‘In order to be able to spend, it is likely that Villa will have to bring in funds first, which could lead to the sale of Rogers.’

As mentioned, Savinho is another option for Spurs, though The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed why he is currently ‘on course to remain’ at Man City.

Ornstein claimed:

‘Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of convincing Manchester City to contemplate selling them Savinho rest on City signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid. For that to materialise, Rodrygo would need to tell Madrid he wants to go, and The Athletic is not aware of this happening to date.

‘If that changes, it may open the door to talks between Madrid and City — with Pep Guardiola an admirer of Rodrygo. That, in turn, could provoke a conversation between Spurs and City over Savinho. As things stand, however, this is purely hypothetical. City insist they are not looking to sell Savinho. Therefore, at present, there is no situation for Spurs to pursue and — despite Thomas Frank’s side remaining keen — the Brazil winger is currently on course to remain at the Etihad Stadium.’

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘planning a hijack’ of a Chelsea transfer, despite the Blues having a ‘verbal agreement’.

Spurs appear to be making a strong effort to finish this transfer window with a bang, though they have experienced difficulties this summer.

Tottenham failed to force through deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze amid tapping-up allegations and a late Arsenal hijack, though they remain in the market for additions before the window closes.

Summer signings Mohammed Kudus and Joao Pahlinha have made an instant impact as Spurs have won their first two Premier League games of the 2025/26 campaign under new head coach Thomas Frank, though they are keen to strengthen in attack and are linked with several options after missing out on Eze.

RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons has emerged as a left-field target as he is yet to seal a move to Chelsea, with former Man Utd assistant Rene Meulensteen mentioning him as an ideal Eze alternative.

“It’s interesting to see, but he has to be in one of those top teams to succeed in the Premier League,” Meulensteen said.

READ: Premier League winners and losers: Rule-breaking Everton, abysmal West Ham, phenomenal Frank

“He’s mobile, he’s really a player that drifts between the lines, behind the pockets, he can be the man.

“But where he ends up, if he ends up in the Premier League, is yet to be seen.

“Tottenham? That could be a really good option. With James Maddison out, that could be a really good option.

“Manchester United? He is somebody that plays in the position that Matheus Cunha or Mason Mount will be playing in. Bryan Mbeumo is probably going to play in that position. Bruno Fernandes plays in that position.

“At Liverpool, no, because they brought Florian Wirtz in. Arsenal have got their player in that position with Martin Odegaard.”

Now, it appears that a move to Spurs for Simons could be on the table as a new report from Caught Offside claims the north London outfit is ‘planning a hijack’ of Chelsea’s deal for the Netherlands international.

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In ‘another twist’, Spurs have ‘turned to’ Simons and ‘explored the possibility’ of signing the versatile attacking midfielder.

Simons is said to be ‘firmly on their radar’ and while Chelsea are the ‘frontrunners’, their move for the wantaway forward is at risk of collapsing.

The report claims:

‘At present, Chelsea remain the frontrunners for his signature. The Blues already have a verbal agreement in place on personal terms with the player, but progress has stalled as the club continues to prioritise outgoings before sanctioning new arrivals.

‘That delay has created a window of opportunity for other suitors, and Tottenham are now monitoring developments very closely.’

According to reports, Arsenal are ‘pushing hard’ to make another marquee summer signing after performing a second hijack on Tottenham Hotspur.

After enduring a disappointing season in 2024/25, Arsenal have made a statement this summer as they are closing in on Liverpool as this window’s biggest spenders in Europe.

So far this summer, the Gunners have invested over £250m to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Eze had been expected to be Arsenal’s last marquee signing of this window, with it subsequently reported that they have turned to a player for the future, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that they have ‘reached an agreement’ to sign 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers starlet Victor Ozhianvuna.

However, it emerged on Monday that they are challenging Spurs in the race to sign centre-back Piero Hincapie from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

READ: Premier League winners and losers: Rule-breaking Everton, abysmal West Ham, phenomenal Frank

Over the past 24 hours, it has emerged that the Leverkusen star wants to leave the German side before this transfer window closes and there is a 60 million euro (£52m) release clause in his contract.

Hincapie has been heavily linked with a potential move to the Premier League over the past year as he has also been mooted as a future Liverpool player, with the 23-year-old capable of playing at centre-back and left-back.

Arsenal are already well-stocked in defence, but they are reportedly set to ‘bid’ for Hincapie, who ‘favours’ Mikel Arteta’s side over north London rivals Spurs.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has since revealed why Hincapie is keen on a move to Arsenal, while there is an “important domino”.

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He said on X: “Piero Hincapié considers Arsenal project as very attractive and he’s keen on the move.

“Initial talks have started on player side with personal terms not expected to be an issue.

“No bid yet as Kiwior-Porto and Zinchenko exits are important part of the domino.”

German journalist Florian Plettenberg, meanwhile, has confirmd that the Gunners are “pushing strongly” for Hincapie.

“#Arsenal are now pushing strongly to sign Piero #Hincapié after yesterday’s exclusive news that he wants to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen with immediate effect. Hincapié is keen to join Arsenal,” Plettenberg tweeted.

“The €60m release clause is valid and Arsenal are fully informed. It cannot be ruled out that he could be available for less than €60m. Hincapié is keen on Arsenal, while Tottenham are also in the race.”

Tottenham are planning to make a move for Rodrygo if they fail to sign Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers this summer, according to reports.

Spurs are looking to add some more attacking options to their squad before the window closes on September 1 after James Maddison’s ACL injury looks likely to rule him out for most of the season.

Arsenal hijacked their move for Eberechi Eze and now Tottenham have moved on to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, while they also look to get a deal for Manchester City winger Savinho over the line.

After revealing that Tottenham are in ‘preliminary talks to sign Rogers’ this summer, Football Insider are back to claim Spurs have ‘identified two alternative options if they fail in their pursuit’ for the Aston Villa star.

Football Insider adds: ‘However, sources say that if Spurs are unable to sign the England international, they could accelerate moves for Nico Paz from Como or Rodrygo from Real Madrid.’

Rodrygo was handed a surprise start for Real Madrid in their match against Real Oviedo on Sunday and Xabi Alonso was keen to praise the Brazilian.

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Alonso told reporters: “He [Rodrygo] had a good game. In the first half, on that side, he linked up well with [Alvaro] Carreras, [Kylian] Mbappe sometimes dropped, and so did [Arda] Guler.

“He had one-on-one situations and a few shots. Oviedo were quite deep and it was difficult to find the space, but I liked it. After last week, we needed everyone, and Rodrygo is one of them.”

Despite earning plaudits from Alonso, The Athletic‘s Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana have revealed that the Real Madrid winger has told his agents to find him a new club this summer.

The Athletic reporters wrote: ‘Rodrygo instructed agents Pini Zahavi and Kia Joorabchian to explore a new destination for him this summer, despite his camp insisting he wants to stay at Madrid. Such a move clearly suggests that the possibility of an exit has at least been strongly considered, but clubs that expressed interest were left with the impression that Rodrygo was not fully convinced about leaving the Spanish capital.’

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While Tottenham’s move for Como attacking midfielder Paz is seemingly going nowhere this summer with a transfer now looking ‘increasingly unlikely’.

Sky Sports reporters Lyall Thomas and Michael Bridge told the news website’s transfer blog: ‘Tottenham look increasingly unlikely to sign Como’s Nico Paz. The Argentina international has been among several of interest for a new No.10.

‘But Real Madrid – his former club – still have financial interests in the player that make any deal extremely complicated.

‘Real have incremental buy-back clauses beginning at £8.6m (€10m) this summer, and increasing for summer 2026 and 2027, as well as a 50 per cent sell-on clause.

‘It means Real Madrid essentially have the final say on any Spurs offer and, even if it was agreed, would take half the fee due to Como.

‘According to Sky in Italy, Como want almost £61m (€70m) guaranteed plus add-ons on top.

‘Sky in Italy have reported Spurs have been willing to pay upwards of £56m guaranteed plus around £8.7m in add-ons.

‘Spurs want to sign a No.10 and a winger before the deadline and have interest in Monaco’s Magnes Akliouche and Manchester City’s Savinho among others.’