Tottenham Hotspur complete £51.8million Xavi Simons transfer despite weeks of Chelsea talks

Wait 5 sec.

Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.The Dutchman has joined the Europa League winners in a deal worth €60million [£51.8m].Simons looked set for Chelsea, but has now linked up with SpursGettySimons arrived in London on Thursday to finalise his future amid summer-long interest from Chelsea.He agreed personal terms with the Blues, but a club-to-club agreement was never struck with Leipzig.And he has now linked up with Spurs, with the player to wear the No.7 shirt in north London.Expressing his delight at sealing a switch to Tottenham, Xavi told the club’s website: “I’m really happy and can’t wait to get going.“I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.“It’s a great club and when I met the head coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.“I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans.”Boss Thomas Frank meanwhile stated: “I’m really pleased we have brought Xavi in – he is a great addition to the squad.“He is still young, however he already has good experience and, over the past few years, has played a lot of games at the top level.“Xavi has proven his ability to get goals and assists, both from the number 10 position and left-wing.Spurs have responded to missing out on Eze by landing another top talentGetty“He also has a great eye for his team-mates in terms of unlocking defences, and I know he will come in and be part of a good team that is already working hard together.”Simons scored 22 goals and assisted another 24 for Leipzig across 78 appearances.The versatile attacker joins Mohammed Kudus as another big-name signing for Spurs, although they were hijacked by Arsenal in their bid to get Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.What next for Chelsea?Chelsea, meanwhile, struck a £40m deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United on Thursday. And the Blues could now turn their attention to Fermin Lopez of Barcelona.talkSPORT reported their interest in the Spaniard earlier in the week, although they have not yet made a bid.View Tweet: https://t.co/2OVw8ALgWxLopez has 19 goals and 11 assists to his name at Barca and earned two caps with the Spanish national team.talkSPORT understands that Chelsea held further talks with Lopez on Thursday, and he has spoken to head coach Enzo Maresca.Nothing is close or guaranteed just yet, but Chelsea are still seriously interested eyeing in a move.Barcelona want in excess of €60m [£51.8m] and initial contact between the clubs has taken place.Lopez could join players including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Garnacho as fresh attacking signings at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea host Fulham at Saturday lunchtime, live on talkSPORT, after thrashing West Ham 5-1 last weekend.Premier League Match Odds with talkSPORT BETSat, 30th AugustChelsea 8/15 – Draw 16/5 – Fulham 19/4Man Utd 1/3 – Draw 17/4 – Burnley 8/1Sunderland 19/10 – Draw 23/10 – Brentford 29/20Spurs 7/10 – Draw 31/10 – Bournemouth 17/5Wolves 17/10 – Draw 11/5 – Everton 17/10Sun, 31st AugustBrighton 27/10 – Draw 14/5 – Man City 17/20Notts Forest 13/20 – Draw 27/10 – West Ham 4/1Liverpool 23/20 – Draw 5/2 – Arsenal 21/10Aston Villa 5/6 – Draw 5/2 – Crystal Palace 31/10See all Premier League match odds over at talkSPORT BET*odds subject to change, 18+ gambleaware.orgOffer of the WeektalkSPORT BET – Bet on £10 and get £30 in football free bets* CLAIM HERE18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile or app & bet £10+ on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyCheck out all the best free bets and betting offers from talkSPORT and our partners