Arsenal chief Edu 'very interested' in unsettled £52m star with offer already submitted

Arsenal sporting director Edu is ‘very interested’ in Paris Saint-Germain starlet Xavi Simons, who reportedly wants to leave the club this summer. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also keen to sign the 21-year-old, but a hefty price tag could whittle down the hunt ahead of the transfer window.

Simons was an internet sensation while working his way through Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy. But rather than attempt to force his way into the ultra-competitive first team in Catalonia, the Amsterdam-born attacking midfielder took his talents to France instead.

Despite having made a handful of appearances for PSG’s senior side, Simons’ stock has skyrocketed mainly during spells away from the Parc des Princes. He scored a staggering 19 league goals during a stint at PSV Eindhoven last term, and has flourished on loan at RB Leipzig this season, notching 18 goal contributions in 31 Bundesliga games.

As the summer transfer window closes in, the hunt for Simons’ signature is heating up. According to Sport, RB Leipzig have already submitted a formal offer to take him on a permanent basis, but PSG are yet to bite.

A return to Barcelona is believed to be the player’s preferred option. However, a price tag just shy of £52million would effectively rule La Blaugrana out of the race, with Xavi prioritising recruitment in other areas of his squad.

Leipzig’s failed bid and Barca’s financial limitations leave the door open for Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Gunners transfer chief Edu has reportedly had scouts watching Simons tear it up in the Bundesliga this season.

And the north Londoners are one of only a few teams in Europe with the necessary cash to pull off a move for Simons. Manager Mikel Arteta may need reinforcements in attacking areas amid speculation around the futures of Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.

Smith Rowe – once touted as the next big player to come out of Arsenal’s academy – has started only three Premier League matches this season and, at 23 years old, could cut his losses to chase regular game time elsewhere.

Nelson is a year older and has only started one game in the Premier League this campaign, while Nketiah has slipped behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order up top.

It remains to be seen exactly where Simons would fit into Arteta’s starting line-up. The Netherlands international has played primarily as an attacking midfielder for Leipzig, but captain Martin Odegaard already offers the Gunners plenty of threat from the middle of the park.