Tottenham were in pole position to sign him - and a full agreement with Crystal Palace was close. As it was not finalised, Arsenal swooped in and offered payment terms, expected to hit his £68million release clause, with Eze left to make an easy decision considering the fact he supports the club.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Chelsea, Man City Sent Xavi Simons Transfer Warning, ‘Preferred Destination’ Revealed. RB Leipzig director Marcel Schäfer has warned suitors of midfielder Xavi Simons that they are prepared to stand firm with their demands over a summer transfer.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons all summer long but saw a switch called into question with fresh interest from one of their Premier League rivals