Arsenal icon warns Gareth Southgate about ‘special’ Arteta target ahead of England v Netherlands

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Iconic former Arsenal striker Alan Smith expects one Mikel Arteta transfer target to cause problems for England on Wednesday. 

England will take on the Netherlands in a Euro 2024 semi-final clash this week.

The Three Lions have Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to thank for their passage to this stage in the competition, as the 22-year-old winger scored his side’s equalising goal in normal time and then stepped up to convert his penalty in the shootout that was used to decide this encounter between England and Switzerland. 

Gareth Southgate’s side will now have to raise their game again when they take on the Netherlands in the next round, who will represent their sternest test in the tournament so far.

Ronald Koeman’s squad is stacked with talent, particularly in the attacking areas, where the likes of Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay, Donyell Malen, and Xavi Simons all carry a real threat.

Mikel Arteta will be keeping a close eye on this fixture. Of course, the Spanish coach will be hoping that Saka and Declan Rice can shine and avoid injury. Meanwhile, he will also be keeping tabs on the members of the Netherlands side who the Gunners have been credited with an interest in signing this summer. 

Malen has already admitted that he would welcome a move to Arsenal, having previously been on the books at the Emirates Stadium at youth level. Arsenal are also considering a swoop for Simons.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Alan Smith wary of Arsenal transfer target Xavi Simons

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith is concerned, more immediately, about the threat that Simons poses to England. 

Speaking on the Sky Sports YouTube channel, the 61-year-old said: “Xavi Simons, who has produced now and again. He is a flair player that can do something special.”

Southgate will certainly have a plan for containing the 21-year-old and limiting his influence. Rice will surely be key to it, as the former West Ham United midfielder has the defensive awareness and ability to deal with Simons.

Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown will be less worried about Simons, as the former centre-back feels that the Dutch starlet still lacks end product.