Xavi Simons to Arsenal? ‘Strong trend’ PSG star makes SURPRISE permanent move

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 May 2024 06:46 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been told that dream target Xavi Simons is set to leave PSG this summer on a permanent basis – but the news is not all good for the Gunners.

Reports in France indicate that attacker Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from the Ligue 1 champions, could remain with the Bundesliga side following a definitive transfer. It is noted, however, there are Premier League clubs waiting to pick up the pieces should a deal fall through. The Emirates outfit are not named but FootballTransfers has revealed their interest in Simons previously.

Although there had been previous reports of Simons remaining with Leipzig, these had circled around another loan deal, which might have played into Arsenal’s hands by giving them a little longer to persuade the 21-year-old they were the ideal option for him in the long term.

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Current ETV

Xavi Simons

AM (CRL)

RB Leipzig

Xavi Simons

AM (CRL)

RB Leipzig

€49.9M

ETV Range

€37.4M - €62.4M

View full profile

Indeed, the general thinking had been that Simons would return to PSG and help pick up some of the slack that will be left when Kylian Mbappe departs the club to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

RMC indicates: “PSG are negotiating Xavi Simons’ final transfer to the German club.

“Few details have yet filtered out but it is certain that he will not appear in the squad available to Luis Enrique next season. However, the Spanish coach really appreciates his profile.

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“Leipzig have room to manoeuvre to complete the transfer and Xavi Simons, who also has a say, could therefore be sold during the next transfer window. We will see if the player then stays in Germany, if the transfer takes place, which is the strong trend.”

Barcelona had also been mentioned as a possibility for Simons via a loan deal, but RMC dismisses this possibility, indicating that the Camp Nou side will have to move for lower-cost options.

What this means for Arsenal

For Arsenal, this will cause Arteta to rethink his summer plans, even if the fact the player wants to move does leave the door open for an audacious hijack attempt or even a move should talks fall through.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in January that Simons is a dream addition to the Gunners’ squad due to his versatility and quality, yet at the time Wolves’ winger Pedro Neto was seen as a likelier player to join up at the Emirates. The Netherlands star was seen as unrealistic.

Neto’s injury problems are once again plaguing him, rendering a deal here unlikely, and with Simons now looking destined for RB Leipzig permanently, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for a wide attacker to reinforce their side and provide support to Bukayo Saka.