Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for PSV forward Xavi Simons ahead of the summer transfer window. The Dutch international has enjoyed a superb campaign in his first season at the club which has prompted reports to circulate that he may leave this summer with the Gunners tipped to be his most likely destination.
From 48 games across five competitions, Simons has scored 22 goals and grabbed 12 assists which has seen his value sky-rocket to €50million (£43m) according to CIES Football Observatory. Edu and Arteta appear currently more focused on making defensive and midfield additions, with football.london reporting since February that signing Declan Rice is the priority for the summer window.
However, Arteta choosing to further bolster his attacking depth by signing Simons cannot be ruled out and a new report has highlighted a move to north London as a possibility.
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According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Simons has "emphatic interest" from the Gunners ahead of the summer window. It is also claimed that there is a clause in his contract, which runs until 2027 at Phillips Stadion, that states PSG can bring him back for just €12million (£10.3m) after he departed the Parisians on a free transfer last summer.
The surprise exit of PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy last month could have an impact on Simons' immediate future with the duo having a close relationship. Speaking previously to Voetbal International, discussing Simons, van Nistelrooy said: “His mentality, his mindset, it’s unprecedented. It’s a boy of only 19 years old, but Xavi is already much further advanced than his age.
“But he really is a pure professional, a boy who is working towards a goal, who wants to get the most out of his qualities.”
While attacking incomings is not a priority for this window, Simons' versatility could make him the perfect signing for Arteta. In the 2022/23 campaign, according to transfermarkt, Simons featured on the left of attack 19 times, scoring seven goals, on 17 occasions behind the striker where he netted 11 times and then a further 11 appearances on the right and playing as a central striker.
As players that can be deployed in multiple positions, the Gunners already have Ben White, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey and Jakub Kiwior in their ranks showcasing Arteta's love for versatility.
On paper the attacking depth is strong, but having another player who can seamlessly transition across the pitch to play in every attacking role provides more than adequate depth for Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
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