“They have held talks…”: Tottenham want “exceptional” Chelsea target after Gibbs-White blow
Tottenham Hotspur Eye Xavi Simons After Missing Out on Gibbs-White
Tottenham Hotspur are swiftly adjusting their summer transfer plans after missing out on primary target Morgan Gibbs-White. In response, the North London club has now set its sights on Dutch international Xavi Simons, with the 22-year-old emerging as a key name on their radar in the coming weeks.
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Spurs had been hopeful of securing a deal for Gibbs-White, but those ambitions have now been dashed. Nevertheless, the club is determined to strengthen its attacking options and is wasting no time in identifying suitable alternatives.
> “Tottenham were confident and they hoped that Gibbs-White would still come, it is a blow to Spurs’ plans, but they will move on very quickly,” Bailey explained.
“They have held talks with other players in recent weeks, the likes of Xavi Simons and James McAtee to name but two, there are options for them and they will move on, and they need to.”
Spurs Turn Attention to Simons
Xavi Simons is currently one of the most exciting young talents in European football. The PSV Eindhoven midfielder, who spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig, has been attracting interest from several Premier League clubs this summer—including Chelsea. Now, Spurs are believed to be preparing a formal approach, recognizing both his potential and the immediate impact he could bring to the squad.
Simons had an impressive 2023/24 campaign, registering 11 goals and 8 assists across all competitions. His versatility—capable of playing as a central attacking midfielder or out wide—makes him an ideal fit for Tottenham’s system, especially as they aim to bolster their creative options and increase their attacking output.
At just 22 years old, Simons still has plenty of room for development. With proper coaching and consistent Premier League experience, he could evolve into one of the division’s standout playmakers. Tottenham are reportedly hopeful of acquiring him at a sensible price, viewing the move as a long-term investment in both talent and squad depth.
Chelsea Also in the Picture
However, Spurs are not alone in their pursuit. Premier League rivals Chelsea are also reportedly interested in the Dutch star. The Blues are in the market for more attacking depth, and with their greater financial clout and reputation for acquiring top-tier young talent, they could present a strong challenge to Tottenham’s hopes.
Chelsea’s recruitment strategy under new ownership has leaned heavily on promising youth, and Simons fits the bill perfectly. If a bidding war ensues, Spurs could find themselves under pressure to match both the financial package and the sporting project being offered by their West London counterparts.
A Premier League Move Beckons?
Simons, who has previously been described as an “exceptional” talent, appears destined for a major move sooner rather than later. His technical quality, vision, and composure on the ball are well suited to the demands of English football, and he could slot seamlessly into either Tottenham or Chelsea’s line-up.
For Spurs, signing Simons would send a strong signal of intent following a mixed domestic season. With a renewed focus on blending youth with experience, the Dutch international could be central to a new-look attacking force at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on where Xavi Simons decides to take the next step in his career. Whether it’s North London or West, one thing is certain: he won’t be short of top-tier suitors.