Arsenal are well placed in the race to sign Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Simons has starred on loan at RB Leipzig this season with the Dutch midfielder having scored six goals and provided nine assists in all competitions.
The 20-year-old rejoined PSG from PSV Eindhoven in the summer, as the French side exercised a buy-back option on the midfielder before loaning Simons to Leipzig for the 2023/24 campaign.
PSG’s stance on Simons’ long-term future is unclear and German outlet Sport Bild are reporting that Arsenal are ‘leading contenders’ to sign the midfielder this summer, amid competition from Inter Milan, Leipzig, Bayern Munich and former club Barcelona.
Arsenal are keen to reinforce their options in attacking areas of the pitch and Simons’ versatility and goal threat appeal. Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson have each struggled for opportunities this season and could leave in search of regular minutes in the summer.
Simons has featured on both flanks and through the middle for Leipzig this season and could help ease the creative reliance on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Last season, Simons was named Dutch Football Talent of the Year after scoring 19 league goals to finish as the joint-leading scorer in the Eredivisie. He made his international debut for the Netherlands in 2022 and has since won 11 caps for the Oranje.
