As Mikel Arteta’s summer shortlist begins to take shape, Arsenal should not be passing up an opportunity to sign a player who could be the next Tomas Rosicky.
This week marks the anniversary of Tomas Rosicky signing for the club back in 2006, Arsenal’s ‘Little Mozart’.
Amassing 246 appearances for the Gunners, Rosicky was an extremely popular figure in N5, a face intrinsically linked to the new era at the Emirates Stadium.
Under Arsene Wenger’s management the Czech Republic international won two FA Cups in 2014 and the year after.
Perhaps had Rosicky’s time come five or so years earlier he would have enjoyed more trophies, but he was a player who thrived when investment in Wenger’s playing squad was seldom.
That being said, Arteta has no such restrictions in this new era of success for the club, a foundation built by Wenger’s frugal work.
And with a considerable transfer budget again this summer, Arsenal will be targeting a striker among a few other positions.
But perhaps an attempt to sign Paris Saint Germain’s Xavi Simons could prove the most important piece of business.
PSG star Xavi Simons could take Arsenal’s attack to another level next season
Don’t be confused, Arsenal’s attack and goal output has already been very healthy this season scoring 91 goals in 38 league matches.
But there’s definitely room for improvement, and however harsh it may be, Arsenal could still seek an improvement on Leandro Trossard.
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The Belgian has enjoyed a strong season, even managing to replace Gabriel Martinelli – but is he quite at Bukayo Saka’s level?
That would be a damaging barometer to measure most players, but it demonstrates that Arsenal could improve on the left.
Xavi Simons can excel centrally or out wide, and will reportedly cost interested clubs around £52m.
Perhaps PSG would still be reluctant to sell at that price, such has been Simon’s form out on loan, but Arsenal should definitely test the waters.
Of course, there are also some concerns regarding Simon’s preferred move this summer, but again that shouldn’t deter Arsenal from an approach.
Emile Smith Rowe is a similar profile to the Dutchman, but with his future seemingly up in the air, and not receiving enough first team minutes last season, Arsenal can’t avoid a deal on the basis of blocking his chances.
Simons possesses the maverick-like qualities Rosicky used to treat fans at the Emirates to, and his signing, which Arsenal are said to be interested in, would be a game-changer.
All that considered, Arsenal are actually said to be leading the way for different Dutch talent right now.