Xavi Simons to Chelsea transfer twist as Tottenham plot late swoop for Eberechi Eze alternative

Chelsea have been given a wakeup call in the race to sign Xavi Simons. The RB Leipzig playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options.

football.london understands that the Blues are still in talks with the Bundesliga outfit over a deal for Simons. Chelsea have a broad agreement on personal terms with the Netherlands international, whose contract at the Red Bull Arena expires in June 2027.

Manchester City expressed their interest in Simons earlier this month, with Jack Grealish joining Everton on loan and Nottingham Forest signing James McAtee. Despite competition from the Etihad Stadium, it's understood that the Dutchman is currently prioritising a move to west London.

READ MORE: Tottenham have £55m Lucas Paqueta transfer secret weapon as West Ham exit stance revealed

READ MORE: Chelsea prepared to end 24-year transfer rule for £120m worth of talent

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea will secure his signature before Monday's deadline. With the Blues yet to wrap up a deal, they've left the door wide open for a Premier League club to swoop in.

According to German outlet Sport Bild, Tottenham Hotspur have recently contacted Leipzig to enquire about signing Simons. The Lilywhites have been in the market for a new attacking midfielder since Arsenal hijacked their deal with Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze.

The report claims that Chelsea are viewed as the only 'serious option' for the attacking midfielder, having agreed personal terms weeks ago. While the Lilywhites are yet to make an offer, it's said Simons has his heart set on a move to the English top-flight.

Sport Bild reckons that the Blues are only prepared to sign the Dutchman if they can send a player the other way. On Friday night, Leipzig lost 6-0 to Bayern Munich, marking the start of the new Bundesliga season.

Speaking to German publication Kicker after the game, the Red Bull CEO pulled no punches. Oliver Mintzlaff said: "I certainly don’t expect a worse performance than what we presented in Munich.

"We need a response now, too, and not just on the second matchday, but also across the board. There are certainly discussions and interested parties, of course, but it has to be a good fit for all parties.

"If that happens, then there could still be a departure. And if that doesn’t happen, then Xavi Simons is RB Leipzig’s player this season."

Ola Werner provided an update on Simons' future prior to the pummelling at the Allianz Arena. The Leipzig head coach told Sky Sports Germany: "I’m planning with him, he is with us and training well.

"He is motivated and looking forward to the game against Bayern. I’m looking forward to seeing him in this clash. Until the last day of the transfer window, anything can always happen – we know that. What’s important is to be well prepared – and we are."

Meanwhile, Marcel Schafer claimed that Chelsea were some way off striking a deal. The Leipzig sporting director told reporters: "We are generally known for enabling players to take the next step. He has expressed his desire to take the next step.

"Basically, we’re open and won’t block any players. But only if all the parameters are right for everyone involved. And that hasn’t been the case so far.

"If we notice that things are going in a certain direction, then we’re prepared to take one or two players off. That really hasn’t been the case so far. And that’s why he played today."