Arsenal and Manchester United have expressed an interest in Paris Saint Germain’s Xavi Simons in the past, the Dutch winger has now responded to those links.
Simons was on loan with Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig last season, showcasing some blistering form.
After a scintillating campaign in the Eredivisie with PSV, the French giants triggered a buy-back clause to bring Simons back to the French capital before loaning him out again.
There is a possibility that the Dutch international could go out on loan again in this summer transfer window. However, multiple teams are circling at the potential of bringing Simons in permanently, with the 21-year-old contracted at Parc des Princes till 2027.
Simons is not currently focused on transfer interest.
A report from Metro has claimed that Simons is currently happy at PSG amidst the interest from clubs in the transfer market.
However, reports earlier this month have also claimed that nothing is decided between the club and the player and that a loan is the most likely scenario for the player to continue his development.
The player is said to decide on his future once he returns to PSG following the Euros. The 21-year-old is on international duty with the Dutch national team as they head into their final group game.
After two games, their most recent being a 0-0 draw, the side sit top of their group, needing just a draw from their final game with Austria to qualify.
‘We’ll see after the Euros what happens. Do I want to return to Paris? I was happy in Paris, things happened. I was at Leipzig this season.
‘After the Euros, we’ll see. I also see that the fans always wish me the best, and that’s good.’
Who joins Arsenal in Xavi Simons interest?
Mikel Arteta’s team are not the only side that are reportedly interested in capturing the signature of Simons this summer. Reports suggest Manchester United have joined the race to persuade the 21-year-old to leave Parc des Princes this summer.
Premier League rivals Manchester City are also said to be keen on a move for the winger, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich also interested.
A move for the winger could be pricey, with it suggested that PSG bosses value the talented Dutchman at around €60 million. Transfermarkt’s player market value does not agree with that suggestion, with their current value of Simons sitting at €80 million.
Where would Simons fit in at Arsenal?
The 21-year-old primarily plays as an attacking midfielder, a position fulfilled by Martin Odegaard in Arsenal’s team.
However, he is also capable of playing on the left or right side of the pitch, meaning he could be used as cover for Bukayo Saka, one position we know Arteta has identified as an area for reinforcements.
Left-wing is also a position Simons could see a high percentage of minutes in after many fans were critical of the performances of Gabriel Martinelli last season.
Many suggested that the Brazilian would be better utilised as an impact player, a role we already see fulfilled by Belgian international Leandro Trossard.
If Arsenal were to be the team to sign Simons this summer, it is hard to see him break into the first team anywhere other than on the left side of the pitch given the performances of Saka and Odegaard.
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