Manchester City have reportedly signalled their intent to beat Chelsea in the race to sign RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.
City supporters have been delighted with their summer transfer business thus far, much of it conducted prior to the Club World Cup.
However, on Sunday evening, reports emerged that they were considering cashing in on Savinho after interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
If Spurs are prepared to pay in excess of £50m for the Brazil international, a transfer appears likely to happen, and it would leave City requiring a fresh face for the final third.
Given the known uncertainty over their homegrown options, moving for a British-born talent would make sense, yet it appears that they are instead hoping to gazump one of their Premier League rivals.
RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons pictured on July 19, 2025
Man City to make surprise Simons move?
According to Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, who was commenting on X, Man City have entered the race for Simons.
Tavolieri says that City have 're-established' contact with the agent of the Netherlands international as they bid to gauge whether it is possible to get the better of Chelsea.
As it stands, nothing is said to have changed with Chelsea with there being mutual interest to conclude negotiations as soon as possible.
Nevertheless, it appears that City are prepared to act and give Chelsea the hurry-up when there has been minimal progress.
Reports have indicated that Chelsea need to sell one of Christopher Nkunku or Nicolas Jackson before being able to finalise a deal for Simons.
Chelsea's coach Enzo Maresca pictured in June 2025
Who needs Simons the most?
Despite their increasing need to acquire a new centre-back more so than another attacker, Chelsea seemingly remain intent on signing Simons.
He would bring another versatile option to Enzo Maresca's squad, even if it is questionable whether they need it having scored six times against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan in recent pre-season friendlies.
Even if Jack Grealish finalises a transfer to Everton and Savinho signs for Spurs, Pep Guardiola would still have nine attacking options at his disposal at the present time.
That said, the potential departures of James McAtee and Claudio Echeverri means that a fresh face would be required. If Simons can be purchased for a similar fee that would be raised through selling Savinho, it may make more sense for the former PSV Eindhoven star to move to the Etihad Stadium.
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