The 2024-25 football season has been no different from the transfer windows that come with it, perhaps no more so than this one. One name that’s consistently been circulating the rumor mill is Xavi Simons. Now on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the young Dutch midfielder is raising the bar, prompting the top clubs of Europe to begin keeping an eye on his every move. Arsenal fans have been hoping their club will have the balls to step up and try to take Simons in the January window.
PSG’s Short-Term Gamble with Xavi Simons
Loaning Xavi Simons to RB Leipzig for the 2024-25 season seemed to be a logical step that wasn’t out of character for PSG’s short-term vision. The Parisians under head coach Luis Enrique resisted giving the player a guaranteed first-team spot, and the move to Leipzig proved to be the best option for all parties. But here’s the kicker: Under the bright lights of the Bundesliga, he proved he’s not just an addition to a team but a game-changer.
Having yet to add Simons to his future, no one at the club appears keen to give a contract extension to the 21-year-old, whose deal at PSG runs through 2027. Many will think Leipzig’s budget constraints make the €80 million asking price steep. The club’s bet, though, is on its strong project narrative and its ability to convince Simons to sign up to the vision. But it’s not only the Germans who are showing interest.
Arsenal and Xavi Simons: Could a Premier League Move Be in the Cards?
Mikel Arteta is well known for nurturing talent picked up cheaply for Arsenal. Proof that the Gunners are happy to bet on youthful brilliance is Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. With Simons’ technical skills, vision, and scoring and assisting, he is the perfect piece to help Arsenal’s already lethal attack. It would be such a tantalizing thought to the fans: imagine being able to combine the creativity of Simons with the tactical mastery of Ødegaard in one midfield.
Who Else Is in the Race?
But we can’t forget that Simons is being linked with some of Europe’s heavy hitters. There have been admiring glances from all sides, from Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester United. It is true that Arsenal’s potential bid could have to be bold and strategic because the former, with deep pockets, has reportedly been willing to spend €100 million in the past. Don’t even get me started on Real Madrid or Liverpool; they could swoop in when you least expect it.
The Value of a Golden Opportunity
David Ornstein, a renowned voice in football journalism, summed up the situation perfectly: “Paris Saint-Germain has all the options when it comes to Xavi Simons. Nothing is certain about his future, and a lot can happen before the summer.” This statement just emphasizes the central role that PSG has. The choice was either to hold on to Simons and reap the reward of his developing talent or to cash in with a huge profit.
The clock is ticking: PSG has two years remaining on the player’s current contract by the end of the season and must make a decision that will also impact a club that is growing into one few feel can sustain itself past this season.
Fans’ Reactions: The Arsenal Faithful Weigh In
Arsenal fans are already firing up TikTok and Twitter threads talking about the possibility of a move. “Were you thinking of Xavi Simons to Arsenal?” is what one fan joked. “I’ll sell my kidneys, just to make room to let him into the squad!” “If you put Simons and Saka in the same team, that will create another blockbuster,” another added. “The Premier League would need a new definition of ‘defensive disaster for it to get an asterisk,” wrote Foner on Twitter. Whether these reactions are in jest or genuine, we don’t know, but one thing is clear: the Arsenal supporters are excited.
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