The Mirror

Finally, Xavi Simons has completed his move to the Premier League. But instead of Chelsea, it's Tottenham Hotspur where the Netherlands international has pitched up.

The Dutch star has completed a £52million move to Spurs, signing a five-year deal with the option of a further two years. New Spurs boss Thomas Frank has been keen to sign a new No.10 following the serious injury to James Maddison during the summer. He now has his man, and is suitably delighted.

"I am really pleased we have brought Xavi in - he is a great addition to the squad," says Frank. "He is still young, however he already has good experience and, over the past few years, has played a lot of games at the top level. Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the No.10 position and left-wing. He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together."

Spurs' new No.7 said: "I'm really happy and can't wait to get going. I've been dreaming of this for a long time. It's a great club and when I met the head coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.

"I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans."

Spurs have started the season with back-to-back Premier League wins to give ex-Brentford boss Frank the ideal start to the new campaign, but injuries have caused problems with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both out. Eberechi Eze had been targeted, but ultimately moved to Arsenal instead after the Morgan Gibbs-White affair which left the club ultimately looking foolish.

For much of the summer, Simons, admired by the club's new coaching staff and the transfer hierarchy, had appeared out of reach. He wanted to leave RBL but Chelsea were in pole position. However, the Blues have been chasing both he and Alejandro Garnacho, with the Manchester United outcast now heading to Stamford Bridge after an initial £40m deal was agreed between the two clubs.

A medical was undertaken on Thursday, with Spurs operating cautiously so as not to stir interest from other rivals, and on Friday the deal was sealed.

Xavi Simons has been linked with Chelsea for weeks but Tottenham have now secured a deal for the RB Leipzig star with the two London sides long involved in transfer battles

Tottenham may have looked a laughing stock when London rivals Arsenal swooped in to land Eberechi Eze. Now it is Tottenham themselves doing the swooping at Chelsea's expense.

Xavi Simons has been tipped to leave RB Leizpig all summer and it appeared as though he was destined to end up at Stamford Bridge. But whilst the Blues dilly dallied Tottenham have made a late play and look to have secured the Dutchman.

Simons has been one of the most impressive performers for the German side following his move to Leipzig from PSG. Now Tottenham look like they will bolster their ranks by landing the 22-year-old for £51million.

He will bolster a frontline that has also had Mohamed Kudus added to it. Chelsea have managed to agree a deal for Alejandro Garnacho, who is on course to join from Manchester United for £40m.

But whilst they were negotiating for a deal to land the Argentine, Tottenham have been able to steal a march and sign Simons, who stands to sign a deal with them until 2030. There had been no long-term indication that those in north London were even tracking the Dutchman.

But after they missed out on Eze, they have acted fast to land a suitable replacement. Simons scored an stunning goal against England in the semi-final of the Euros last summer and has posted some impressive stats whilst in Germany over the past two years, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists in 78 games across all competitions.

His age profile and exploits thus far have all the makings of a player who will continue to blossom. Chelsea may live to regret missing out on Simons and so often it has been Tottenham left to wonder how they missed out on a key target. Luis Diaz's late move to Liverpool in 2022 a case in point.

That trend can be dated back to 2013, when Tottenham spent all summer trying to bring Willian to the Premier League. Only for the Brazilian to join Chelsea late in the day, going on to win the Premier League twice across his seven year stint.

On that occasion Tottenham were left fuming that they missed out. Then Blues boss Jose Mourinho made little attempt to hide his delight at hijacking the move after securing the £32m capture of the Anzhi Makhachkala forward.

It owed to then owner Roman Abramovich making a personal call to his fellow Russian oligarch, Suleyman Kerimov, the Anzhi owner. Tottenham had gone as far as to complete Willian's medical, but Mourinho would claim they paid the price for not doing the medical "in secret".

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was adamant that Chelsea did not truly want Willian. Instead their motive was to stop the north Londoners landing a player who would make them stronger.

Andre Villas-Boas, formerly a manager at Stamford Bridge, was looking to create a squad that could challenge Chelsea. The Blues though always maintained they had an interest in Willian and he would go on to be a massive hit and remain a key figure under numerous different managers.

Chelsea and Tottenham have never - and will never - be the best of friends but whilst the Blues won a bitter race for Willian, Tottenham in time may boast they've got their revenge after all.

Tottenham are working to wrap up the arrival of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons, who has been on Chelsea's attacking shortlist

Tottenham are on the verge of wrapping up the signing of RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons following a secret transfer blitz. The 22-year-old Dutchman, who has looked poised to join Chelsea all summer, has already completed his Spurs medical.

Pending final details, he will sign a long-term contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and finally end Thomas Frank's thirst for a new No.10 after missing out on both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

The Europa League winners are expected to pay around £52million (€60m), though sources at Leipzig are briefing the Bundesliga outfit have also negotiated a sell-on clause.

Spurs have been operating with caution in fear Chelsea would pounce and pip them to Simons' signature as the former Paris Saint-Germain and PSV starlet had already agreed terms with the Blues.

Just a matter of weeks ago, Tottenham are understood to have made a check on Simons' situation via his brother and advisor Faustino but they were told the starlet had already given Chelsea his word.

The turning point came earlier this week when Simons seemingly decided he was not prepared to wait around forever. Enzo Maresca's side also opened talks over a potential swoop for Barcelona's Fermin Lopez, indicating they were also considering a move for the Spaniard and Alejandro Garnacho.

Simons' playing time was likely to be limited at Stamford Bridge while at Tottenham, he is expected to receive assurances of a starting berth at the heart of Frank's new-look frontline.

As of yesterday evening, Chelsea were still deciding whether they were going to bid for the Netherlands international attacking midfielder.

In the meantime, the Blues were also putting plans in place for United winger Garnacho to undergo his medical after striking a £40m deal with the Red Devils which also includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

Tottenham are not yet ruling out signing a second forward before Monday's transfer deadline.

The current priority is ensuring they get Simons over the line to avoid any further embarrassment and if all goes to plan, Simons could be in attendance for Saturday's Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

It's unlikely he will be registered in time to face the Cherries - there is a 12pm deadline - given he has not even trained with his new team-mates anyway.

Completion of the deal would represent a major boost for Spurs, who are mindful that Dejan Kulusevski is not scheduled to return imminently following patella surgery.

RB Leipzig have given Xavi Simons permission to travel to London for transfer discussions with both Tottenham and Chelsea, who have long been leading the race for the Dutch attacker

Tottenham are going head-to-head with Chelsea for Xavi Simons after RB Leipzig gave the Dutch attacker permission to fly to London for face-to-face discussions over his future. Simons has been holding out for a move to Stamford Bridge after verbally agreeing personal terms with the Blues earlier this summer.

However, Chelsea have been focused on player sales and making room within Enzo Maresca's squad which has seemingly provided Spurs with a window of opportunity.

Having missed out on both Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, Tottenham are only likely to submit a formal bid if they receive encouragement from Simons that he wants to move to N17 to avoid facing further transfer embarrassment.

Crucially, Chelsea have now agreed to sell Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan for an initial £32.85million plus a further £4.3m in bonuses which is expected to accelerate their plans to bring in further attacking reinforcements.

A move for Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho remains advanced and a case of when - not if - as the Argentine has already snubbed multiple approaches from the Premier League, Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia to prioritise a switch to the newly-crowned world champions.

Barcelona's Fermin Lopez has also emerged as a serious target following initial conversations with the 22-year-old Spain international but any deal would likely be at the expense of signing Simons.

Super-agent Ali Barat is handling Simons' future alongside the Dutchman's brother and advisor Faustino Simons. Barat, in particular, has strong connections at Chelsea and was recently spotted in the director's box for their friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen.

He was also involved in the deal that saw the Blues sell Noni Madueke to Arsenal and additionally, has been involved in the process of finding wantaway striker Nicolas Jackson a new club.

German sources have intimated that Simons has been in London since Wednesday and additionally, it's believed Leipzig are yet to have received any formal offers despite suggestions Spurs have tabled a bid.

When Spurs made checks on Simons just a matter of weeks ago, they were told he was focused on sealing a move to Chelsea but in the past few days, there appears to have been some fluidity in his situation as he wants to leave Leipzig before Monday's deadline and try a new experience in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have also held initial discussions with the representatives of West Ham attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is viewed as a potential alternative to Simons.

Spurs are yet to rule out making two marquee additions to their frontline before Monday's deadline and they would also consider strengthening their central defensive options if the right opportunity arose after allowing Luka Vuskovic to join Hamburg on loan. For now, attacking reinforcements remain the absolute priority.

West Ham remain cautiously optimistic they will keep hold of the Brazilian as the prospect of selling a second star player - after Mohammed Kudus - to a direct rival in Spurs seems incomprehensible given the current state of affairs at the London Stadium.

A sizeable offer would seriously test that stance, however, particularly after the Hammers wrapped up a £42m deal with Southampton for Mateus Fernandes. Graham Potter's side value Paqueta at around £60m and his agents remain in contact with Spurs.

Thomas Frank's side had also held strong interest in Manchester City attacker Savinho but a move was blocked by the Etihad Stadium hierarchy even though Tottenham were prepared to put big money on the table.

A swoop for France U21 international starlet Maghnes Akliouche also looks difficult as his current employers Monaco are already in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the possible sale of fellow forward Eliesse Ben Seghir.

Leipzig want to sign Harvey Elliott if they agree a deal to sell Simons but Liverpool are already light on the ground where attacking numbers are concerned.

Ian Wright has given an insight into what Eberechi Eze returning to boyhood club Arsenal meant to his family after the Gunners hijacked Tottenham's attempt to sign the forward

Ian Wright has revealed how close Eberechi Eze was to joining Tottenham and the role his family played in his eventual move to Arsenal. Eze has become the Gunners' seventh signing of the summer, taking their spending spree to £250m.

North London rivals Spurs had been set to capture Eze after they reached an agreement with Crystal Palace last week. However, the Gunners ruthlessly swept in after Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury in the opening-weekend victory at Manchester United.

Given that Eze is a former Arsenal youngster and a Gunners supporter, his head was turned. A four-year deal was soon agreed before he was formally presented to fans ahead of Saturday’s 5-0 win over Leeds United.

Wright has said his family believe the injury to Havertz, which paved the way to his dream move, was a gift from God. The Arsenal legend told the Stick to Football show: “It [Eze to Spurs] was done. He’s very God fearing.

"I know a lot of people will turn round and go, ‘Here we go,’ but they genuinely believe it’s happened because it’s meant to happen. That’s why, when he walked out of the tunnel, he could feel it, he couldn’t believe it had happened.”

On what signing for Arsenal meant to Eze and his family, Wright said: “The whole family are Arsenal. You can imagine what his family are going through, [thinking] ‘He’s going to playing for Tottenham.’

“The pure happiness and joy of him being there [at Arsenal], you just feel like it’s going to work out for him. I want it to work out for him simply for that reason.

“It’s where he wants to be. It’s very rare you get where you want to be at the level he’s at. He got thrown out of there [Arsenal] at 13 and came back.”

Following Eze’s emotional introduction and the win over Leeds, Mikel Arteta addressed the breakneck speed of the transfer. He said: “It was one of the fastest transfers, I would say. And one of the most unexpected. But it showed an incredible determination.

“I was getting no news today on the phone so I thought it wasn’t happening. But at the last minute, again, they managed to pull it off. It created some flames, some fire in the stadium, and that was great to witness. He has the capacity to create magic moments.”

Eze addressed his faith when being interviewed by Wright for the Gunners' media channels. He said: “I can only thank God for the opportunity to be here, to be playing. To be recognised in this type of manner is what I wanted to do. I feel so blessed.”

RB Leipzig have given Xavi Simons permission to fly in and discuss a Premier League transfer but the Bundesliga club are set to hold out for £65m to sell their Dutch winger

Xavi Simons has touched down in London ahead of a proposed move to the Premier League, according to reports in Germany - with Tottenham Hotspur now fancied to hijack Chelsea’s move.

Winger Simons, 22, was given permission to miss RB Leipzig’s training session on Thursday morning as he jetted into the capital ahead of talks.

And Spurs, who were last week gazumped to the signing for Eberechi Eze by neighbours Arsenal, look increasingly likely to land their top alternative despite previous strong interest from the Blues.

Leipzig have confirmed that Simons has been “released from training indefinitely for future discussions” though the Bundesliga side are also yet to receive an official offer, while Simons’ representatives must still finalise details around the wide man’s contract.

Leipzig will also be holding out for a fee of about £65 million for the Netherlands international, who has two years remaining on his current deal.

After Benjamin Sesko’s £74 million move to Manchester United, Simons could become Leipzig’s second major sale this summer.

Spurs remain keen on strengthening their creative options because of the season-long injury to James Maddison, while Dejan Kulusevski is also still sidelined.

Should Simons head to north London rather than West, Chelsea are reportedly set to focus on bringing in Fermin Lopez from Barcelona - though their priority before Monday afternoon’s deadline remains offloading a host of unwanted stars.

Up to nine players who are not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans could be moved on, including England internationals Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, who has interest from former manager Frank Lampard at Coventry.

Chelsea have already made close to £290m on sales this summer. Their departures include Noni Madueke joining Arsenal for £48 million, Joao Felix leaving for Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr for £26 million and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall signing for Everton in a £25 million switch, with Christopher Nkunku expected to seal a switch to AC Milan imminently.

Chelsea have been reluctant to do transfer business with a rival team for more than 20 years but that is claimed to no longer be the case as deadline day approaches

Chelsea are reportedly ready to break their long-standing transfer policy by considering selling players to Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues are facing a hectic end to the transfer window, with several players still expected to leave the club.

The Blues already secured substantial fees for Carney Chukwuemeka, Renato Veiga and others this month, but there are many other deals to be sorted before the deadline. Nicolas Jackson and Christoper Nkunku, estimated to be valued at a combined £120million, are among the first-team stars that Chelsea are keen to offload before further bolstering Enzo Maresca's squad, with RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons among the club's targets.

Leipzig and Bayern Munich are among the clubs to have shown an interest in Nkunku, while Jackson also has several possible suitors. However, it is claimed that Chelsea considers no club out of bounds when it comes to player sales, potentially paving the way for a deal with Spurs for the first time since 2001.

The Daily Mail reports that while Chelsea once shunned transfer dealings with their London rivals, this is no longer the case. While the Blues' preference is not to sell to a rival, it is said that Chelsea would be open to negotiations with Tottenham, who have been loosely linked with Jackson and Nkunku this summer.

The same report indicates that Chelsea value Jackson at £80million and Nkunku at £40m. However, whether clubs will be prepared to meet these asking prices remains to be seen, as demonstrated by Chelsea reportedly being open to loan proposals for Jackson.

The last player to be sold directly from Chelsea to Spurs was Gus Poyet, who made the switch for a fee of around £2.2m in 2001. After winning the Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup during his four-year stint at Stamford Bridge, he ended his career with a three-year spell at Spurs.

Ex-goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini joined Spurs in January 2009 as a free agent after nearly a decade at Chelsea, meaning there was no direct business between the clubs. Frode Grodas and Jason Cundy are the only other Chelsea players to have been sold to Spurs in the Premier League era. On the flip side, Chelsea haven't purchased a Spurs player since signing Micky Hazard in 1985.

Despite their past reluctance to sell to Spurs, the same rule has not applied to all their London rivals. This summer, Chelsea offloaded both Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal, following similar moves for Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz in recent years. Fulham have also previously benefited from loan deals for Armando Broja and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Jackson, meanwhile, has reportedly agreed to a loan move to Bayern, according to German publication BILD, but Chelsea will only sanction a temporary move if the deal includes a buy option. The striker's prospects at Chelsea have been impacted by the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. However, Jackson would arguably face a greater challenge in taking Harry Kane's starting spot at Bayern.

football.london reports that Nkunku is also set to leave Chelsea this summer, given the signings of Jamie Gittens and Estevao in attacking roles, coupled with the club's pursuits of Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho and Leipzig forward Simons. The 27-year-old featured in 48 matches for Maresca's side last campaign and the boss recently spoke about Nkunku and Jackson's futures.

"Christo is with us like Nico, but it's the same answer as Nico," Maresca explained. "We'll see if they're going to be here. It's always better if they find a solution, as they are going to be more happy - and the club the same. But you need someone that is going to buy you. It's not so easy."

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also seeking moves away for Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, David Datro Fofana and Alfie Gilchrist. All these players had spells elsewhere on loan last season, but Chelsea would prefer permanent departures.

Thomas Frank still fixing Spurs' £126m disaster after Eberechi Eze U-turn and three dismal deals

Tottenham Hotspur are still looking to strengthen their attacking midfield options, and Thomas Frank will be hoping the club has learned from their past mistakes in the transfer market

Tottenham Hotspur will be eager to avoid repeating past transfer errors as Thomas Frank's squad continue their hunt for new talent. Despite a flawless start to the new Premier League season, Spurs are still looking to bolster certain areas before the transfer window slams shut.

New manager Frank has already welcomed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and secured a loan deal for Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha, who found the back of the net in the club's impressive victory over Manchester City. However, Tottenham's unsuccessful bid to sign Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White and missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal underlines the club's aim to sign a new number 10.

The departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC, James Maddison's long-term injury and Dejan Kulusevski being out of action also emphasise the need for more firepower. The club will be cautious not to repeat previous mistakes, having taken five years to address a trio of high-profile signings in positions Frank has attempted to strengthen.

In 2019, Spurs splashed out a record £63million to bring Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon. The midfielder was joined by Fulham prospect Ryan Sessegnon for £25m, while Giovani Lo Celso initially arrived on loan in a deal worth £42m.

Sadly for Spurs, their three new signings didn't quite hit the mark and only recouped a small fraction of their combined £130m transfer fees. Both Ndombele and Sessegnon left on free transfers last summer to join Nice and Fulham, respectively. Lo Celso was the only one to command a fee, moving to Real Betis for around £4m, leaving Spurs to mull over their £126m loss.

This summer, the club have targeted new signings in similar positions. Spurs have bolstered their centre-midfield and added a forward, but they're still hunting for an attacking midfielder. They may have missed out on Gibbs-White and Eze, but they've been linked with several other targets.

Football London reports that Tottenham are keen on Manchester City's Savinho, who didn't make Pep Guardiola's matchday squad at the weekend. The Brazilian could fill either a wide player or number 10 role for Frank's team, but Spurs will need to meet Man City's asking price.

The Independent reported last week that Tottenham are interested in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. However, it seems any deal is unlikely, as Villa would be expected to demand more than Spurs were willing to pay for Eze.

Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche has been linked with a move to Spurs. The club also have their eye on Como's Nico Paz, but Real Madrid's rival interest harms Tottenham's chances of getting a deal over the line.

However, Spurs boss Frank appears unfazed by the club's lengthy hunt for new players. His side performed well in their penalty shootout defeat to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup and have begun the Premier League season with wins over Burnley and Man City.

Pape Matar Sarr was utilised in a more advanced midfield position against Man City, operating ahead of Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur. Tottenham boss Frank has emphasised he is happy with his squad and harbours no worries about losing out on transfer prospects who would rather be elsewhere.

"To make it very, very clear, I don't want any players that don't want to come to the club," Frank said during a recent press conference. "Who don't want to come to the club and wear this fantastic badge – we don't want them here.

"I think that's very clear, and also pretty sure that the fans will feel the same if they don't want to put the fantastic shirt over their head. Play for the badge, play for the club. Really enjoy it. No problem, then we don't want them there. I think that's a key message."

Arsenal transfer news: Latest Spurs 'hijack' explained amid movement on centre-back deal

Arsenal have been busy this summer, spending big on a number of transfer deals, but Mikel Arteta's squad could get at least one new addition before deadline day

Arsenal's summer signings have helped Mikel Arteta and his squad make the perfect start to the new season. However, things could be about to get even better.

Eberechi Eze was unveiled ahead of Saturday's 5-0 victory over Leeds, with Viktor Gyokeres bagging his first Premier League goals in the thumping win. There were a couple of injury worries, but neither Martin Odegaard nor Bukayo Saka is expected to be out for too long.

Transfer deadline day lands on September 1, with Arsenal up against reigning champions Liverpool just one day earlier. The outcome at Anfield could factor into whether Arteta and transfer chief Andrea Berta feel more needs to be done at the eleventh hour.

A number of sales could yet be on the cards, and some exits might take place along with new additions. One man who now looks like staying, though, is Leandro Trossard - who agreed an improved contract despite interest from abroad.

We've got updates on some ins and outs for you today. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around the Emirates Stadium.

Late Hincapie move could happen

Arsenal are preparing to launch a late bid for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie. The Ecuador international is believed to be available for £55m and there has even been speculation he could move for less.

Some outlets have suggested Arsenal would be hijacking rivals Tottenham for the 23-year-old, just days after beating them to the signing of Eze. However, Spurs have denied making contact with Leverkusen over Hincapie.

Leverkusen have lost a number of senior stars since Xabi Alonso left as manager, with Erik ten Hag now in the dugout. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have both joined Liverpool, while Granit Xhaka and Amine Adli have also moved to the Premier League.

Kiwior to Porto latest

Arsenal and Porto are set for a fresh round of talks over Jakub Kiwior, according to reports in Portugal (via Sport Witness). Indications so far have been that Porto would bring in the defender on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

They are not the only team in the hunt, though. Crystal Palace have also been linked, with suggestions a permanent swoop from the Eagles was never reliant on the terms of Eze's move in the opposite direction.

Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Spezia in January 2023, has also been linked with a return to Serie A. Clubs in Italy had appeared to favour straight loan moves, though, and this preference could ultimately see him go elsewhere.

Former Gunner Hayden joins QPR

Arsenal academy product Isaac Hayden has completed a permanent move to Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer. The 30-year-old, who played twice for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger, had spent the last nine years on the books of Newcastle.

Hayden, a Jamaica international, played 17 league games for the Rs during a 2023-24 season loan. Julien Stephan has since taken over as manager, and he held productive talks with the new arrival.

“It was special to have the conversation with Christian (CEO Christian Nourry) and the head coach in terms of them wanting me back at the club," Hayden told club media. “I had a few options to go abroad, but it was one of those where if I was going to stay in the Championship, it was only going to be one club and I'm just glad to get it done.”

Arsenal left Tottenham furious after stealing England winger Eberechi Eze from underneath their nose and the Gunners could potentially be about to spend heavily once more under Mikel Arteta

Arsenal could be set to take their summer spending past the £300m mark after lining up a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie. The Ecuador defender - primarily a centre half or left back - is available for around £55m because of a buy-out clause in his contract.

It represents another bold move for the Gunners who are determined top strengthen their squad in every department. Arsenal look certain to offload defenders as well to help balance the books and also reduce numbers in the squad as they would struggle to register them all in the Premier League.

However, Arsenal also say that the Hincapie deal is not dependent on having to make sales first as they are now in talks with Leverkusen about a deal. Hincapie, 23, is highly rated and is seen as another player who can provide competition, back-up and depth which is something Mikel Arteta has insisted they lacked last season.

They are now pushing to complete a deal for the versatile defender in the next few days with the player keen on a switch to the Premier League. Tottenham are adamant that, despite links with Hincapie, they have never been interested in the player and have not made any contact with Leverkusen.

That comes after Arsenal gazumped Tottenham for Eberechi Eze in a £67.5m move last summer. Hincapie was spotted in tears after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim at the weekend, triggering suggestions that he could leave.

Speaking about his future earlier this summer, Hincapie said: “I’m fully focused on Bayer. However, as a player, it’s always important that other clubs follow you. There are rumours, but my mind is still on Leverkusen.”

Arsenal look set to offload defenders with Porto in discussions over a move for Jakub Kiwior. The Poland defender filled in at the end of last season but also wants first team opportunities and it is an area Arsenal want to strengthen.

What have you made to Arsenal's transfer window? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Oleksandr Zinchenko could also go in the next week as he only has one year left on his contract, knows he would get better offers as a free agent next summer but also knows that he will get very limited game time.

Arsenal have already done a deal for Spain defender Cristhian Mosquera and they stand now to have depth in defence. Arsenal have spent big with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eze, Mosquera, Kepa, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.

Arsenal boss Arteta seemingly hinted that his side were not totally finished in the transfer market just yet. Speaking after Eze’s arrival was confirmed, he said: “We are all with big smiles on our faces, understanding that we have done really well, but the market is not closed. We have to stay very alert because there are a lot of things that can happen. But, so far so good.”