EXCLUSIVE: Arteta’s January Xavi Simons plan revealed, £50m premier league winger agreed personal terms, Osimhen chooses his next club between Arsenal and Chelsea
Arsenal are chasing RB Leipzig striker Xavi Simons, but the player, who is on loan from PSG in the Bundesliga, remains an alternative to Wolves’ Pedro Neto, FootballTransfers has learned.
FootballTransfers can confirm that the Gunners are indeed chasing Simons, who has scored five goals and seven assists in 18 Bundesliga games this season, but Pedro Neto remains the player most wanted by manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal have been tracking Neto for several months. The Emirati club followed the 23-year-old before he suffered a serious knee injury at the end of the 2020/21 season, and after finally regaining his best form during that period, Arteta is preparing for a transfer bid this summer.
Neto has recorded eight assists and one goal in 12 Premier League games this season and is admired for his versatility.
Arsenal will not find it easy with the player. Manchester City are keen to sign the Portuguese international and FootballTransfers revealed that manager Pep Guardiola has instructed Neto’s teammates abroad to persuade him to move to the Premier League champions.
At Man City, they want to guarantee that the 23-year-old will play regularly for the first team at the Etihad, which is a key factor in the decision on where to move.
Arteta leaves options open
As a result, Arsenal’s interest in Simons has increased.
The 20-year-old Dutch international has similar qualities to Neto in that he can operate on both sides, and although he is more of a wide player than a traditional winger, Arteta has been impressed with what he has seen from the player.
However, the Dutchman has not had the injury problems that have plagued Neto in recent seasons.
Simons has hinted that he is ready to leave PSG, where he moved from PSV for €4 million last summer and was then loaned to RB Leipzig to gain first-team experience.
His estimated transfer value (ETV) is €36m, but Arsenal would probably have to pay more to persuade PSG to sell one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
Osimhen decisions
Victor Osimhen is one of the strikers being linked with a move to North London in 2024, and the Napoli striker has revealed that he has already decided on his future.
Last season’s captain has had a frustrating season so far and is currently with Nigeria at the AFCON. Osimhen’s goal gave Napoli their first Scudetto since Diego Maradona was in town, but their title defense has been lackluster and they face a trophyless campaign.
Although Osimhen has signed a new contract with the Serie A champions, he has hinted that he will leave Napoli this summer.
“I have already made my decision about the next step after the end of the season,” the striker told CBS (via The Standard).
“I have already made my decision. I already have my plan, I know what I want to do, what my next step will be.”
He added: “I think 60% of all people mention the rumors of me being linked to the Premier League. The Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world.
“I want to finish the season with Napoli and then take the decision that I have already made.”
Osimhen’s new contract with Napoli is also said to include a £112 million buyout clause, and Arsenal are willing to pay a hefty sum to sign their long-term #9. The Gunners have several options on the table, but should undoubtedly consider the Nigerian superstar, even if it means refining his defense and combination play.
Chelsea are one of the other candidates to sign Osimhen this summer, with the striker’s love for Didier Drogba potentially helping the Blues.
