Forget Williams: Arsenal should now agree deal for €70m Bundesliga star with 19-G/A last season - opinion
Arsenal should explore a deal for RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons this summer.
The Gunners are poised to sign a marquee striker during the ongoing transfer window, but they are also keen on landing a versatile winger.
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been a long-term target, but the Spain international has agreed terms with Barcelona ahead of a transfer.
The Blaugrana are most likely to secure an agreement with Athletic.
In our opinion, Arsenal need to move on from the 22-year-old, and should look into a potential transfer for RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons.
Simons joined Leipzig for a second loan stint from Paris Saint-Germain last summer before signing a permanent deal in January 2025.
Leipzig are now willing to sanction his sale for €70 million this summer. We believe he would be a good acquisition for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Simons would provide an upgrade on the left wing
The 22-year-old made only 33 appearances for Leipzig last season amid an ankle injury, but he still impressed with 11 goals and eight assists.
Aside from his goal contributions, the Dutchman won almost six duels per game with five recoveries.
Simons can play on either wing or in the number 10 position, but he was most effective cutting inside from the left wing for Leipzig last season.
Arsenal are yearning for a more consistent winger in the same role. In our view, Simons can provide an upgrade on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker missed just two big chances in the Bundesliga last term. He had a shot-to-goal conversion rate of 20 percent.
In comparison, Trossard and Martinelli missed nine and eight big chances in the Premier League with a shot-to-goal conversion rate of 11 and 15 percent respectively.
Arsenal are presently in talks with Leipzig regarding striker Benjamin Sesko, and they should use the opportunity to try and secure a deal for Simons too.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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