Arsenal are likely to be busy in the summer transfer market with a forward high on their list of priorities. Benjamin Sesko had appeared to be their number one target, but the Slovenian has decided to commit to RB Leipzig, signing a new contract in Germany.
The Gunners are looking at a versatile forward man, rather than an out-and-out striker, with players who can play across the frontline more likely to be targeted in the summer transfer window.
One player of that ilk is Paris Saint-Germain star Xavi Simons. The 21-year-old played alongside Sesko on loan at RB Leipzig last season, scoring ten goals and laying on 15 assists.
PSG will demand in the region of £51million to sell him this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United named as potential suitors for his signature. l’Equipe in France are reporting that both Premier League clubs have contacted PSG over a move for the young forward this summer.
Simons is currently in Germany for Euro 2024 and played his first match of the tournament with the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon. And Simons was at the heart of everything going forward for the Dutch, sending something of a transfer message to the Gunners’ hierarchy.
Simons enjoyed a 95.5% pass success rate in the first half, misplacing just one of his 22 attempts, although that did drop slightly to 85.7% after the break. He also had one shot, as well as playing three key passes – one of which should have ended in a goal, with Memphis Depay firing high and not so handsome when he should have done much better.
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Things improved for Simons after the break. He was involved almost immediately, showing some lovely touches and proving to be a threat going forward. He should have got his name on the scoresheet ten minutes after the break when played in by Cody Gakpo, but fired his shot wide of the near post. He had another effort off target too.
Simons has always been a standout young talent and has shown in the Bundesliga this season that he is now coming of age. His display for the Netherlands shows he is still a bit raw, but is more than capable of doing it on the big stage too, albeit perhaps needing that bit more composure in front of goal. If anyone can improve that it is Mikel Arteta and at £51million he could prove to be a bargain for the Gunners.
It is going to be an interesting summer at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal look to make changes and give Mikel Arteta the squad to overhaul Manchester City and win the Premier League title.
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