Introduction: Arsenal target Dutch star to add midfield cover
Gunners have been keeping an eye on Xavi Simons all summer. The Dutch attacking midfielder is now the ideal fallback in case Eberechi Eze doesn’t materialize. Simons would be a player in Mikel Arteta’s squad if the transfer of Eze does not materialize.
Eze is still one of their top targets, though Crystal Palace now demandss €70 million from them. This amount and other interest from other Premier League sides have made Arsenal start looking elsewhere. One of their targets is Simons, who is signed with Paris Saint-Germain.
Who is Xavi Simons?
Xavi Simons is just 21 years old. Still, he has gained a superior class of experience. He began his career at PSG, then went to PSV Eindhoven, and back to PSG again. During the 2023–24 season, he was loaned out to RB Leipzig.
Simons performed exceptionally well at Leipzig. He accumulated 10 goals and 15 assists in competitions. He is creative and makes very quick movements on the ground. Simons is a number 10 but can also be used on the wings.
Simons possesses quick feet, has a good eye for vision, and possesses great ball control. These are the ideal qualities for Arteta’s attacking play. His Arsenal scouts have been tracking him for months.
Why Arsenal Are Interested
Arsenal are looking for midfield depth. They require creativity and depth. Martin Ødegaard has played well, but they require more depth in bench strength behind the strikers.
Eze is an alternative. Simon’s is an alternative too. The club feels Simons is a versatile player. He dribbles, passes, and scores. He’s also young,, and Arsenal’s modus operandi is signing future talents.
Simons would also gain Champions League experience. That is fitting,, as Arsenal laid foundations for another European campaign. He played well during high-pressure situations in Germany and won the hearts of most fans.
PSG’s Stake and the €70M Option
PSG owns the majority of this transfer. Simons is contracted until 2027. There is, however, an escape clause of €70 million, which activates this summer. It can be activated by Arsenal and other clubs who are interested in him.
Their response, though, is the largest stumbling block in front of the rest. They may still be interested in re-signing him into their squad. But the player desires playing minutes on a regular basis on the field. If they cannot give him that, then to the Premier League he could go.
There is close contact between Simons’ camp and Arsenal. According to sources, he’d be off if he was going to play consistently.
How He Fits into Arsenal’s Plans
If Arsenal signs Simons, he can alternately play with Ødegaard or alongside him. Even in emergency cases, he can start on the left wing. All this flexibility is just great.
Arsenal has a desire to play all competitions. To achieve that, they need a quality and penetrative squad. To sign someone like Simons means they’re willing to go an extra mile.
He might be that kind of player who would unlock low blocks. All teams will park the bus against Arsenal. That can be destroyed by a player of flair and creativity like Simons.
Author’s Take
Xavi Simons may be an astute signing. He has proven that already at an early age. He’s not hype-game. Players who can get Arsenal one step further up the league and in Europe are what they need.
Instead of chasing names, Arsenal must chase players that can be accommodated in the system. Simons has the right profile. He is a creative, hard-working, and adventurous player. That’s what Arsenal needs right now.
It won’t be easy getting him. There is tough competition, and PSG might not let him go. But if Arsenal acts fast, they can sign a young player before other clubs.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
