Leipzig just played their most powerful card in Chelsea – Tottenham battle for Xavi Simons | OneFootball

All the talk this morning in Chelsea transfer world was about Tottenham attempts to hijack the Xavi Simons deal.

The big drama of this summer could be about to kick off at last, with both teams set for a battle for the Dutch international.

Chelsea’s gamble risks backfiring after long summer siege

Nizaar Kinsella on Xavi Simons being given permission to travel to London.

Chelsea have been tracking the winger all summer, and losing out on him now would be a blow. Losing him to Spurs would be even worse.

This was always the risk with Chelsea’s approach. They figured out a deal with Simons and the basis of one with Leipzig thinking they were the only horse in the race. They’ve since taken their time trying to sell Nicolas Jackson, with reports earlier today claiming they would go so far as to wait until right up to the deadline to try and squeeze every last penny out of Newcastle, Bayern Munich, or whoever ended up buying him.

They would then be able to swoop in and sign Simons at an agreed price to replace him. A nice idea. But this was bound to happen eventually – another team has moved in on their spot and now threatens the whole plan.

Leipzig play their card at the right moment

The root of this is Leipzig’s decision to let Simons go to London. By releasing him they give him the chance to speak to Spurs, and suddenly turn the pressure back on Chelsea. Can the Blues afford to let a target they’ve clearly chased all summer join their rivals? Suddenly there is urgency on the buying side.

Leipzig want the deal done so they too can move on, and they’ve played their one remaining card very smartly here to help make that happen.