Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Xavi Simons could be bad news for some of Mikel Arteta’s stars. The Gunners will reportedly battle with Barcelona and Bayern Munich for the highly-rated Paris Saint-Germain talent.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Arsenal have the funds to sign Simons this summer. PSG harbour no intention of reintegrating the Netherlands international once he returns from a loan spell with RB Leipzig at the end of the season, while the player does not want to return.
It is claimed that the Ligue 1 champions want a deal in the region of £51million (€60m), a reasonable fee for a player considered among the brightest attacking midfielders in world football. Simons’s desire is reportedly to join Barca on loan, but PSG want a permanent sale.
Arsenal are among the contenders to sign Simons but a potential purchase may limit the impact of the likes of Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz. All three players will be battling for game time in the same positions in which Simons plays.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Arsenal have the funds to sign Simons this summer. PSG harbour no intention of reintegrating the Netherlands international once he returns from a loan spell with RB Leipzig at the end of the season, while the player does not want to return.
It is claimed that the Ligue 1 champions want a deal in the region of £51million (€60m), a reasonable fee for a player considered among the brightest attacking midfielders in world football. Simons’s desire is reportedly to join Barca on loan, but PSG want a permanent sale.
Arsenal are among the contenders to sign Simons but a potential purchase may limit the impact of the likes of Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz. All three players will be battling for game time in the same positions in which Simons plays.
Simons has scored seven goals and provided 13 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances. If Arsenal do complete a deal for the former Barcelona prospect, then he would be one for the future under Arteta.
Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart believes Simons can become one of the world’s best players. “When I look at his potential, I see that he can become the best soccer player in the world,” he said.
“Believe me: In a few years we’ll all be saying: ‘It’s good to be able to have this kid in our national team.’”
