Arsenal have been tracking Dutch striker Xavi Simons for some time. The 20-year-old is one of Europe’s most exciting players and almost moved to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Simons was highly sought after as he had a sensational first season in senior football – scoring 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances for PSV Eindhoven. The Gunners were one of several clubs offered the chance to sign him for the 2023/24 season, but Paris Saint-Germain pounced when they activated their clever €6m (£5.1m) buyout clause.
He was immediately loaned to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for this season, where he continued to make a good impression. In 26 games, the Dutch international scored six goals and nine assists.
Simon’s move to PSG almost ended Arsenal’s pursuit of the striker, and now it seems that Mikel Arteta wants to complete his two-year scouting mission next summer. According to German BILD, Arsenal are one of three ‘top clubs’ monitoring his situation in Paris ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Leipzig are said to be keen to extend Simon’s loan stay, while PSG have yet to make a decision on Simon’s whereabouts. The publication reports that Barcelona and Inter Milan join the Gunners “interested” in Simons, while Bayern Munich have also entered the scene.
Simons’ profile will be in demand again this summer when he attends Euro 2024 with the Dutch national team. If Arsenal were to sign a player of his caliber, they would finally have their man.
Arteta’s midfield is well stocked with creativity and solidity. But if Martin Odegaard is injured or needs a rest, the quality of the Gunners’ final third will diminish.
Simon’s goal record makes him the perfect candidate to give Arsenal that edge. But with the increasing competition, it remains to be seen where he will end up.