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Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a deal worth just over £51 million.
The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms with Spurs and is understood to have already completed his medical.
The proposed contract is expected to run for five years with an option to extend for a further two, potentially tying Simons to North London for seven seasons.
Negotiations between Tottenham and Leipzig were described as smooth, with both clubs maintaining a strong working relationship.
Chelsea had also been in the race for Simons, but are set to miss out to their Premier League rivals.
The Blues have instead turned their attention to Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, agreeing on a £40m fee for the Argentine winger.
According to Sky Germany, Simons was excused from training on Thursday and travelled to London to finalise his switch.
Spurs had been determined to secure a creative playmaker this summer, especially after missing out on Eberechi Eze, who opted for Arsenal.
Xavi Simons, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, previously caught Chelsea’s eye before spells at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and RB Leipzig.
At Leipzig last season, he primarily operated as a left-sided No. 8 in a 4-3-3 system but also showed his versatility by playing off the striker and drifting in from wide attacking positions.
The deal, once finalised, would mark a significant statement of intent from Tottenham Hotspur as they look to add flair and creativity in the final third.
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