Report: Tottenham now planning to hijack deal for ‘superstar’ No.10 after Paz bid rejected
Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for their marquee attacking midfielder after suffering yet another transfer setback this summer. The north London club thought they had landed Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze last week, only to see fierce rivals Arsenal swoop in at the final hour and hijack the move. That blow has only intensified Spurs’ determination to bring in a creative playmaker, with Dutch sensation Xavi Simons now firmly at the top of their wishlist.
Simons on the Move
Simons, just 22 years old, has already been labelled a future “superstar” thanks to his dazzling technical ability and eye for goal. Currently on the books of RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga side are expected to cash in on him this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League, leaving them under pressure to raise funds. That financial situation has alerted several top European clubs, including Tottenham.
The Netherlands international is not short of suitors. Chelsea have been leading the chase for his signature for weeks, even agreeing personal terms with the player over a move to Stamford Bridge. However, despite the groundwork being laid, the Blues have so far failed to reach a financial agreement with Leipzig over a final transfer fee. This deadlock has opened the door for Tottenham, who are quietly exploring whether they can launch a dramatic hijack of their own.
Spurs Testing the Waters
According to reports, Spurs have already made enquiries to Leipzig to determine what terms would be acceptable to complete a deal. Chelsea remain the favourites as things stand, with Simons still believed to be keen on a switch to west London. But with negotiations dragging on as the transfer window nears its final stretch, Tottenham sense an opportunity to step in and persuade him to join their rebuild under Thomas Frank instead.
The Lilywhites are optimistic that their project — coupled with the chance to play a starring role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — could appeal to the young playmaker. Frank has already added Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha to his squad this summer, but the Dane remains adamant that another number ten is required to unlock defences and supply creativity in the final third.
A Summer of Frustrations
This isn’t the first time Spurs have faced disappointment in their hunt for a creative midfielder. Earlier in the window, the club came close to signing Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. However, just as the deal seemed to be advancing, the midfielder performed a U-turn and committed his future to Forest by signing a new contract following a legal dispute involving the club.
Tottenham also pursued young playmaker Nico Paz of Como, tabling an ambitious bid in excess of £60 million. That approach, however, was swiftly rejected by the Serie A club, according to GIVEMESPORT’s senior reporter Fabrizio Romano.
What Next for Spurs?
The collapse of multiple deals has piled pressure on chairman Daniel Levy and the recruitment team to deliver before deadline day. With Arsenal already strengthening significantly and Chelsea still active in the market, Spurs know they cannot afford to come up empty-handed in such a pivotal window.
Simons represents both the kind of talent and profile Tottenham crave: young, dynamic, and capable of growing into a world-class operator in the Premier League. Whether they can prise him away from Chelsea’s grasp remains to be seen, but with time ticking away, Spurs look set to test Leipzig’s resolve and try to stage a dramatic late hijack.
For now, Chelsea are still seen as the frontrunners, but Tottenham’s persistence in the market means this transfer saga could be far from over.