Arsenal were interested in a move for Dutch winger Xavi Simons last summer, and it is easy to see why.
The 20-year-old was outstanding at PSV Eindhoven last season, and was of interest to Mikel Arteta as an option to add speed and technical brilliance to the wings.
However, Arsenal were thwarted in their attempts to sign him, as Paris Saint-Germain activated a £7m buyback clause, before loaning him to RB Leipzig in a move which reportedly left Arteta “frustrated.”
Given how Simons has excelled at Leipzig, with Arsenal now targeting a winger in the summer, the Spaniard is likely still frustrated at how the deal played out, particularly given that he could have been the ideal cover for Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal target Xavi Simons outranks Bukayo Saka in four stats
Squawka have now highlighted that Simons ranks above Saka for ball recoveries, successful dribbles, fouls won and ground duel success.
Saka ranks above the young winger for touches in the opposition box and goals per 90 minutes, whilst the pair are level for shots on target, assists and key passes.
Simons is capable of playing on both sides, and could have added more creativity to the wings alongside Saka, as well as providing a very similar profile and level of output to cover for him, with the Arsenal star playing through injury at times.
What Xavi Simons could have brought to Arsenal
With Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG in the summer, it seems highly unlikely that Simons will be attainable, and Arsenal have turned their attentions to Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, among other targets.
Simons has scored nine times and provided 13 assists in 36 games for RB Leipzig, and brings a level of technical brilliance which makes him a perfect fit for Arteta.
The 20-year-old is only likely to improve from here, and has the potential to become one of the best wingers in Europe.
Although Arsenal do have Saka, an alternative option in the squad is desired, and whilst there are other top-quality targets they can pursue this summer, Simons would have been an excellent long-term signing if they were able to pull it off before PSG swooped in.
