- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have now received some disappointing news from an attacker who is currently starring at Euro 2024.
Mikel Arteta is currently thought to be on the hunt for a forward who can add some ‘x-factor’ to Arsenal’s performances next season – attempting to bridge the smallest of gaps to Manchester City.
Similarly, it seems as if Arne Slot may be tempted to add a winger to his new Liverpool squad.
Slot isn’t expected to make significant changes to the team he’s inherited from Jurgen Klopp, but could reportedly still sign a defender and a wide-forward.
That being said, both clubs have been strongly linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Xavi Simons.
The Dutchman has been scintillating at the Euro 2024, demonstrating why so many of Europe’s top clubs are attempting to secure the 21-year-old on loan for the coming season.
However, TBR Football understands that Simon has told all of his English suitors that he will not be coming to the Premier League this summer.
Xavi Simons tells Arsenal and Liverpool that move to England isn’t on his radar
TBR understands that all of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have engaged with Simons’ people to confirm their interest.
However, the situation has always been complicated by the fact that PSG do not want to sell Simons this summer and would only consider a loan.
Simons himself has told PSG that he does not want to play in France next season.
And to that end, the £52m-rated midfielder has also decided that a move to England is not currently on his radar.
READ MORE: Dutch media deliver verdict on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo’s performance vs Romania at Euro 2024
After spending last season on loan with RB Leipzig, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions, Simons wants to return to the Bundesliga.
Leipzig are keen to take Simons back to Germany, but Bayern Munich have stepped in and have progressed with talks and they now look like being in pole position to land the forward.
A blow for both Arsenal and Liverpool, who will have perhaps already turned their attention to alternative targets.
And to that end, Arsenal are now said to have submitted a £40m bid for a player hailed as ‘one of the best in the world’.
