Tottenham are unrelenting in their pursuit of fresh additions right now, and are looking to maintain their momentum after hijacking Chelsea’s deal for Xavi Simons in the early hours of Friday morning.

Simons, who can play out wide in Son Heung-min’s previous position, and as a central playmaker to combat the losses of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison through injury, has arrived at N17 with bags of potential.

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

Xavi Simons

£52 million

After Tottenham agreed a £52 million deal for the ex-La Masia gem from under Chelsea’s nose, following “overnight” talks (Fabrizio Romano), Simons now dons the iconic number 7 shirt previously worn by Son.

The Netherlands international spent a fair portion of early 2024/2025 out with ankle ligament damage, but still managed 14 goal contributions over his final 18 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig last season.

Simons’ proven quality, versatility and experience for his age (nearly 140 senior appearances in total) makes him a statement last-minute signing for Spurs, not to mention a much-needed one after their botched deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze.

“He’s a player who has proved his ability over the years to provide goals and assists from both the 10 position and the left-wing, Xavi can play in both positions,” said Spurs boss Thomas Frank about Simons.

“He’s a very good finisher inside and outside the box. His dribbling ability, and his acceleration in bursts, give him that opportunity to go past players in one-on-ones, also to drive past players in more open spaces. His eye for his teammates is key, in terms of unlocking defences, and I’m convinced he will come in and help the team and be part of a team that is working very hard together.

“Xavi is young, 22, he has plenty of room to develop and get better, but even though he’s young, he’s played a lot of matches over the last four, five years, which means I’m fully convinced with his qualities he can step straight in and help us.”

Following on from their move for Simons, it is believed that Tottenham want to sign another attacking player and centre-back before the Monday 7pm cut-off.

Tottenham make £17 million bid for Man City defender Manuel Akanji

According to Sky Italia, Tottenham and AC Milan’s race for Man City defender Manuel Akanji has taken a twist.

As per their information, while the Rossoneri have made an offer for the 71-cap Swiss international, who scored against Portugal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it is Spurs emerging as favourites for his signature.

For one, Akanji would prefer to remain in the Premier League. And two, Tottenham have made the highest offer for Akanji to City, amounting to around £17 million and trumping Milan’s opening proposal of £13 million plus bonuses.

Milan are working to reach an agreement with the player, but it appears they have some groundwork to cover if they’re to beat Frank’s side to Akanji’s signature.

Interestingly, if Milan fail to win this transfer against the Lilywhites, they’ve identified former Spurs defender Juan Foyth as an alternative.