Arsenal have a backup plan if they miss out on both Pedro Neto and Michael Olise this summer – PSG star Xavi Simons.
The Gunners have had a really quiet January transfer window. We’ve barely lifted a finger yet, and we don’t expect that to change in the next week. In the summer, however, Arsenal will surely be active, and Simons could be a target.
Arsenal could try and sign Xavi Simons if Pedro Neto goes to Manchester City
Arsenal fans have been crying out loud for a new backup right-winger.
Bukayo Saka is our main man on that flank, and he is a guaranteed starter every week. However, the fact that we don’t have a like-for-like backup in that position means the 22-year-old barely ever gets a rest.
That is not ideal at all and it increases the risk of injuries, which is the last thing we need.
Arsenal are expected to be on the market for a new right-winger who can compete with Saka. Wolves star Pedro Neto and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise have been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.
However, a number of clubs are keen to sign those two wingers, with Manchester City said to be particularly interested in Neto.
Journalist Steve Kay has now revealed that PSG star Xavi Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig, could emerge as a target for Arsenal if we miss out on Neto and Olise.
He said on KS1TV: “He (Simons) is someone Arsenal are interested in, no doubt about that. He can play on the left or the right wing, he’s one of the players on the list alongside Olise and Neto.
“I still think that if they can get Neto he would be Arsenal’s first choice. This will not happen in January, personally I think if we don’t get Neto or something because City are sniffing around Neto, this guy (Simons) could come in.”
Xavi Simons ‘destroyed’ Arsenal
Before Xavi Simons returned to Paris Saint-Germain in a £5 million deal last summer, he played for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
Arsenal took them on in the Europa League last season, and in the away leg, we were beaten 2-0. Simons had an outstanding game that evening.
Kevin Campbell loved the 20-year-old’s performance against us, so much so that he claimed Simons ‘destroyed‘ Arsenal in that game.
Perhaps that’s when Simons caught Mikel Arteta‘s eye and that’s probably why the Arsenal boss wants to sign him in the summer.
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