After a two-year scouting campaign, Arsenal offers Barcelona the chance to beat them to a £60 million transfer.

The most recent transfer rumours involving Arsenal, as Xavi Simons’ circumstances may present an opportunity for the Gunners to sign him during the summer transfer window

For a while now, Arsenal has been monitoring Xavi Simons, an aggressive playmaker from the Netherlands. One of the most intriguing players in Europe, the 20-year-old almost made the switch to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.

After having an incredible first season in professional football at PSV Eindhoven, where he finished with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games, Simons was in high demand. Many teams had the opportunity to recruit him before the 2023–2024 season, including the Gunners, but Paris Saint-Germain struck gold when they exercised their astute €6 million (£5.1 million) buyback clause.

He was promptly sent on a season-long loan to Bundesliga team RB Leipzig, where he has maintained his strong play. The Netherlands international has six goals and nine assists in 26 games.

Arsenal’s pursuit of the forward had all but finished with Simons’ transfer to PSG, but it now appears that Mikel Arteta is eager to wrap off his two-year scouting assignment next summer. Ahead of the 2024–2025 season, Arsenal is one of three “top clubs” keeping an eye on his status at Paris, according to German publication BILD.

Simons’ loan term at Leipzig is reportedly eager to be extended, but PSG has not yet decided where Simons will be spending his time. According to the article, Bayern Munich has also expressed interest in Simons, joining the Gunners, Barcelona, and Inter Milan.

When Simons plays for the Netherlands national team at Euro 2024 in the summer, his profile should be much sought after once more. Arsenal would finally land their man if they added a player of his level.

The trio of Arteta in the middle is strong and creative. But if Martin Odegaard ever gets hurt or needs a break, the quality of the Gunners drops precipitously in the last third.

Simons is a prime option to provide Arsenal that extra advantage because of his history of contributing goals. Still, it’s unclear where he ends up with the rivalry heating up.