Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig - Stadion An der Alten Forsterei, Berlin, Germany - February 1, 2025 RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons reacts after the match REUTERS/Annegret Hilse DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.
Arsenal are keen on RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons and could be set for a boost after the player revealed he wants to leave. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that a deal for the player is expected soon, with the player making his stance known to Leipzig as far as back as May.
Romano added that the player’s price tag is under €70m as he has two left on his contract. Arsenal is keeping tabs on the player’s situation and could face competition from Chelsea.
Simons has scored 21 goals and added 23 assists across 76 appearances for Leipzig, and is highly rated across Europe. The 22-year-old is understood to favour a move to the Premier League and has reportedly rejected Bayern Munich’s advances.
He joined Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain on loan in 2023, with the move made permanent in January. Leipzig paid an initial £43m for the player, with the deal including another £26m in potential add-ons.
Not all add-ons have been paid by Leipzig, and despite the player recently signing a contract extension until 2027, he now looks set to be on his way out of the club.
Arsenal keen on Simons
Arsenal are understood to be in the market for an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide. They are expected to focus on this area of the pitch after signing a striker, with a deal for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres believed to be in the final stages.
Simons has played both as a No10 and a winger for club and country and Arsenal are known admirers of his versatility. TalkSport has reported that Arsenal have added both Simons and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze to the shortlist for this profile of player, and it is likely the Gunners will choose between one of the two.
Arsenal are understood to be keen to bring in a versatile attacking player while keeping hold of both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. If one of those to two were to depart this summer, Arsenal could look to sign both Simons and Eze.
Arsenal haven’t yet submitted an offer for Simons or Eze, but are understood to have held talks with the latter.
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