Tottenham have submitted a £61m bid for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, rivaling Chelsea’s pursuit.
The Dutch star has travelled to London for talks as both clubs push to seal the deal.
Tottenham Hotspur have made a dramatic late move for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, submitting a bid in the region of £61 million (€70m) as they look to beat Chelsea to his signature before the summer transfer window closes on August 30.
The 22-year-old Dutch international, who impressed in the Bundesliga last season, has been one of Chelsea’s top midfield targets. The Blues reportedly agreed personal terms with Simons as far back as July, but delays in finalizing departures from Stamford Bridge left the deal hanging.
Sources confirmed that Leipzig have granted Simons permission to travel to London for talks, with both Tottenham and Chelsea now vying to secure an agreement. Spurs are said to have intensified negotiations after suffering a string of injury setbacks in midfield, including James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
Chelsea is feeling the heat to speed up their negotiations following the transfer of Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan this week. This decision was partly aimed at freeing up finances for new signings.
Tottenham’s bold approach is seen as a statement of intent, as the club has often found itself on the losing end of transfer battles in recent years. A successful swoop for Simons would not only strengthen Ange Postecoglou’s options in attack but also represent a symbolic victory over one of their biggest London rivals.
For Leipzig, the potential sale of Simons would continue a trend of high-value exits, though they are expected to demand favourable payment terms and possible add-ons.
With Simons already in London holding talks alongside his representatives, the final days of the window promise a tense battle between Chelsea and Tottenham. The outcome could reshape the creative midfield dynamics of both Premier League contenders heading into the 2025/26 season.
