Sources close to the negotiations revealed that Spurs have scheduled an imminent meeting with Simons' representatives, ready to meet Leipzig's 60 million pounds valuation to secure his signature before the transfer window closes on September 1.
The 22-year-old has shone at Leipzig after a tough spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he struggled for minutes. Since joining the Bundesliga side on loan in 2023 and making the move permanent, Simons has notched 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances, showcasing his flair as an attacking midfielder or winger.
His former teammate Dani Olmo praised him as "a really complete player" with "an amazing dribbling technique" in an interview on Leipzig's official website.
Chelsea have been chasing Simons throughout the summer, bolstered by the impending sale of Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan for 39 million pounds, which has freed up funds and squad space at Stamford Bridge. An insider disclosed that Simons has made it clear Stamford Bridge is his preferred destination, a personal preference that could tip the scales in the Blues' favor.
However, Tottenham are not deterred, viewing the Netherlands international as the perfect boost to their attacking midfield amid James Maddison's ongoing knee injury recovery and Son Heung-min's recent departure to Los Angeles FC.
Under head coach Thomas Frank, Spurs see Simons' creativity and goal threat, 11 goals and eight assists in 33 games last season, as the dynamism needed to elevate their squad. "Tottenham are very keen and prepared to pay the asking price," a source familiar with the discussions confirmed.
Recent reports indicate Leipzig have excused Simons from team duties, allowing his trip to London, where Tottenham aim to convince him to snub Chelsea in a dramatic late-window twist.
Yet, the saga has twists of its own. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on August 20 that Simons rejected Spurs' advances, emphasizing his heart is set on Chelsea. Other updates from trusted outlets like ESPN and Football London reinforce this, with Simons reportedly turning down interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City to prioritize the Blues.
As the deadline looms, this London derby in the transfer market promises high drama, with Simons at the heart of it all.
Chelsea remain the frontrunners, but Tottenham's bold moves have injected fresh uncertainty into what could be one of the summer's most intriguing sagas.
Newcastle United have reportedly sealed a blockbuster club-record deal to bring in Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade, outmaneuvering Bayern Munich in a dramatic late-summer transfer twist.
Manchester United and Real Betis are racing against the clock to finalize a transfer for Brazilian winger Antony before the transfer window slams shut on September 1, according to reliable sources.
Chelsea have put the brakes on Nicolas Jackson's proposed loan to Bayern Munich, holding out for clarity on Alexander Isak's future amid swirling interest from Liverpool.
Arsenal are racing against time to secure Bayer Leverkusen's talented defender Piero Hincapie before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
