Tottenham have moved into pole position to sign Xavi Simons from Red Bull Leipzig after the midfielder received permission to travel to London to finalise his next move. Chelsea had been leading the race but have not matched Leipzig's €70 million valuation. Spurs have submitted an offer near that figure and Simons travelled to London as part of efforts to resolve his future. Chelsea face registration complications due to a UEFA punishment requiring a positive transfer balance from last season's Conference League squad. Tottenham want to add at least two new signings before the transfer deadline. Chelsea may target Barcelona's Fermín López if they withdraw.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea act to rival Tottenham's bid but their efforts are complicated by a need to comply with the terms of a UEFA punishment which dictates they must record a positive transfer balance in relation to last season's Conference League squad to register new signings for this year's Champions League campaign. ESPN reported on Wednesday that Tottenham are keen on adding at least two new signings before Monday's transfer deadline.
Spurs are focused on attacking areas after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze as the former signed a new contract to stay at Nottingham Forest and the latter opted to join Arsenal. However, signing Simons would be a significant coup of they can complete a deal given he was widely expected to join Chelsea. Sources say Simons' arrival in London is not indicative of a deal being completely agreed with any club but Spurs are progressing best with an agreement.
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