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Arsenal suffer blow to sign Xavi Simons this summer

By Ritayan Chatterjee on July 4, 2024

Arsenal have reportedly suffered a huge blow in pursuit of Xavi Simons, as per the transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.

After joining RB Leipzig on a loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, the Dutchman enjoyed a stellar campaign in the German top-flight last term.

However, the midfielder’s future at the Parc des Princes is currently uncertain as he reportedly doesn’t want to return to the French giants. So, he has been linked with a move away from the club in this transfer window.

Reporting on HITC, Bailey has reported that Arsenal tried to purchase him by taking advantage of his current contract and even made contact with the player’s representatives to register their interest.

The journalist claims that apart from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City also expressed their interest in signing him, but the player has decided to reject a move to the Premier League.

Simons to Arsenal

Bailey says Bayern Munich have stepped up their efforts to sign Simons and are currently leading the race with a fee of around £52m expected to be enough to get the deal done. So, this is a big blow for Arsenal in pursuit of the Netherlands international.

The 21-year-old is an extremely talented player and possesses the potential to become a top-class midfielder in future. Therefore, he would have been a great coup for Arsenal with a view to the long-term future had they managed to secure his signature.

However, the North London club already have enough firepower in their attacking midfield department and they don’t need to invest big to sign a new number ten.

In addition, Simons can also play in the flanks but I think he doesn’t have the necessary explosiveness to flourish in the Premier League as a winger. Therefore, in reality, missing out on signing the PSG star wouldn’t be a big issue for the North London club.

Arsenal are reportedly planning to strengthen their frontline and the engine room this summer but adding a new left-sided defender is also on Mikel Arteta’s wish-list. So, it remains to be seen whether the Emirates club can manage to reinforce all of their intended areas this summer.