Chelsea opted against attempting to block Tottenham's deal to sign Xavi Simons, having "built bridges" with their London rivals in recent years.
Spurs closing in on SimonsChelsea had agreed termsBlues have no plans of standing in their wayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Simons is closing in on a move to north London, having undergone a medical ahead of his €60 million (£52m/$70m) move from RB Leipzig. That comes despite the fact that the Netherlands international had agreed terms with the Blues over a possible move to Stamford Bridge.
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Matt Law of the Telegraph reports that the Blues have opted against rivalling Tottenham's bid for Simons – in the same fashion that Arsenal did with Eberechi Eze, or the Blues did with Willian back in 2013 – because they have "built bridges" with their London rivals and have no intention to "demolish" them.
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Law reports that Chelsea did not actually table a formal bid for Simons, despite engaging in talks with intermediaries. He is now poised to become Spurs' much-needed No.10, given that James Maddison is out for the season with an ACL injury.
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Spurs face Bournemouth this weekend while Chelsea play Fulham in a London derby. Simons is expected to be presented as a new Tottenham player prior to kick-off against the Cherries.