A player who has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for some time has now told his club he will leave once Euro 2024 concludes.
Following Arsenal’s failed pursuit of Benjamin Sesko earlier this month, it seems that Edu will now take the club’s window in a different direction.
If reports are to be believed, Arsenal were never set on signing a striker this summer, more Sesko’s brief availability was seen as a market opportunity too good not to explore.
Instead, Arteta would like to strengthen depth in several other areas, namely at full-back, in wide attacking positions and in central midfield.
With Kai Havertz thriving as a striker and Gabriel Jesus unlikely to depart unless Arsenal receive a considerable offer, the club are well-stocked in the position.
And as a result, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Xavi Simons this summer, a young Paris Saint-Germain winger who can excel across a number of attacking roles.
Simons is currently at Euro 2024 with The Netherlands, starting both of their games thus far.
And once the tournament concludes, Simons is ready to leave PSG.
Arsenal target Xavi Simons has told PSG he’s leaving after Euro 2024
Journalist Fabrizio Romano shared Simon’s decision on X, a player who has strong interest among Europe’s top clubs.
Romano explained that Simons had ‘formally’ informed PSG of his plan to leave the club this summer.
He stated: “Xavi Simons has formally informed Paris Saint-Germain about his plan to leave the club this summer.
“Key detail: it will be a loan move until June 2025, as mentioned since April.
“Bayern and RB Leipzig, both pushing to sign Xavi Simons. Decision after the Euros.”
Of course, as Romano mentioned, Arsenal would face fierce competition to sign Simons this summer.
But given the future of Emile Smith Rowe in north London is fairly uncertain this summer, the Dutchman could represent an exciting alternative.
Arsenal fans would be loath to lose Smith Rowe, but should he depart in search of regular playing time, Simons would be a stellar replacement.
PSG reluctant to sell Simons this summer
That being said, if Edu were to chase a permanent move for Simons he would likely cost around £52m.
But as Romano states, PSG would much prefer to loan the 21-year-old this summer, given a clause in his contract.
If the French club sanctioned a sale before January 2025, PSV Eindhoven, who Simons re-joined PSG from, would receive a large proportion of any transfer fee.
Therefore, it’s not in PSG’s best interest to sell Simons right now, even if his stock is at an all-time high.
Of course, if Arsenal were to agree a loan deal to sign Simons, they could then exercise a permanent deal in the summer of 2025 if desired.
All that being said, Ian Wright has just shared his reaction to one player leaving the club.