Arsenal have now learned that one of their summer transfer targets would rather join Barcelona than make a move to North London.
Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta will look to add to his squad in several key areas.
Arsenal now likely to miss out on Xavi Simons
One player Arsenal have been keeping tabs on is Xavi Simons. However, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, as reported by HITC, the Dutchman would prefer to join Barcelona this summer rather than the Gunners.
The 21-year-old is thought to be available for £43 million, but the North London club may not be able to win the war for his signature with money if Simons has his heart set on a switch to the Spanish giants and they come in for him.
On top of that, there is also interest in the youngster from Manchester City, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, as PSG are thought to be open to letting the player leave on another loan deal this summer in the hope that it will lead to a big-money permanent move in due course.
Given this update, Arteta may now be prompted to pivot to alternative targets. This state of affairs could also be good news for Emile Smith Rowe.
If Simons were to arrive at the Emirates Stadium, then the Hale End academy graduate would likely be knocked even further down the Arsenal pecking order. He is already fighting for his future at the club.
What Emile Smith Rowe still has to prove to Mikel Arteta
Arteta may already have to make a decision between Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira this summer if it becomes clear that there is only room for one of this duo in his future plans.
If Simons is the profile of player that the Gunners are targeting in this part of the pitch, then Smith Rowe is a closer match to the 13-cap Netherlands international. Like Simons, the 23-year-old Arsenal man can operate on the flanks as well as centrally, is a direct and powerful runner, and offers a real goal threat by breaking into the box from deep.
Smith Rowe is the most likely to be boosted if Arsenal miss out on Simons. However, the three-cap England international still has plenty to prove when it comes to showing that he can still contribute significantly for Arteta’s side.
There can be no denying the midfielder’s talent, but he needs to overcome his recurrent injury issues and rediscover his clinical edge in front of goal.