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Tottenham at risk of missing out on Bundesliga playmaker to London rivals

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 9:23 AM ET

Chelsea are set to open direct talks with RB Leipzig over a potential deal for Tottenham target Xavi Simons

With no resolution to the Morgan Gibbs-White transfer saga imminent, some might say it is time for Tottenham Hotspur take a different route now and disrupt their transfer plans.

All has been quite on the Morgan Gibbs-White front over the past week, with the playmaker’s deal seemingly stalling Spurs’ progress in the transfer market after completing deals for Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus, whilst obtaining the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

The Lilywhites certainly cannot afford to dwell as the market is moving fast, and the requirement for a dynamic, creative and versatile attacker remains pressing. With Son Heung-min and Richarlison’s futures up in the air, James Maddison’s fitness a concern and the likes of Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Mikey Moore still developing, Tottenham need fresh attacking impetus.

As such, the North Londoners have shown an interest in signing RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons in recent months. The Netherlands international did enjoy a strong campaign last season, registering 19 goal contributions across all competitions , 11 goals and eight assists, which likely explains why Tottenham remain so intent on bringing him in.

It was an injury-curtailed season but still turned out to be impactful. The 22-year-old is determined to leave RB Leipzig after they failed to qualify for European football, and has been fielding interest from several clubs including Spurs. However, one of Tottenham’s bitter rivals now appear to be in the driving seat for the player’s signature.

Chelsea make direct contact with Xavi Simons’ entourage

On Monday afternoon, it was revealed that Chelsea had engaged in discussions with Xavi Simons’ camp to study the feasibility of a potential transfer this summer. Later in the day it became clear that Stamford Bridge is a more likely destination for the Dutchman, and the Blues are now set to formalise their interest in him.

According to transfer news guru Fabrizio Romano on X, Chelsea will hold talks with RB Leipzig on Tuesday to discuss on a potential deal for Simons after he opened the door for a move to the Premier League. Despite the west London outfit having just sold Noni Madueke to Arsenal for €60 million, the Italian journalist states that a move for the versatile attacker will likely hinge on further outgoings.

Spurs in danger of missing out on summer target to Chelsea

This development comes after Simons’ agents had reportedly opened talks with Tottenham over a possible move to White Hart Lane only last week. RB Leipzig are no longer insisting on their initial €80m asking price, instead he is understood to be available for around €60m this summer, and for a player of his elegance, quality and potential, that is not a bad price. Plus, we know Spurs have this sort of money to splash, given that they have triggered the £60m release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract at Forest.

That said, if Daniel Levy and Co. do not act quickly, Tottenham are in a big risk of missing out on the talented Simons to Chelsea.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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