Arsenal transfer target Xavi Simons presents with an alternate option to Bukayo Saka as football.london discusses the Dutch international with a European football expert
However, there have been plenty of discussions around the suitability of Simons in terms of where he might play should Arsenal bring him in. football.londonunderstands that the Gunners have an interest in adding an attacking midfielder to the team, but does Simons suit this?
To find out, football.london called upon the expertise of European football expert Andrew Thompson. What is clear is that certainly discussions surrounding Simons perhaps taking over from Xhaka are wide of the mark.
“I think there are some misconceptions surrounding Xavi Simons by a fair few Arsenal fans,” Thompson explained. “On the surface, his versatility is certainly a desirable trait.
“Capable on either flank, in the ten-role, or as a central forward, the Dutch international presents a profile that is more than suitable for Mikel Arteta‘s desire to deploy players in a variety of ways if need be.
“Many fans have suggested Simons could be the answer in central midfield, but for me, this is misguided. His eye for goal and ability to drive play on the ball at pace is why he has been so successful at PSV, and those traits were on display against the Gunners this season.
“Rather than being a progressor of play in his distribution, he is incredibly effective and efficient when progressing play directly, and if anything, a move for Simons would offer excellent depth in the forward areas.”
Although Reiss Nelson is close to agreeing on a new contract football.london understands, Bukayo Saka therefore could have some serious competition in Simons. The player statistically has shone for PSV this season and provides goals and assists galore.
James Maddison was a player that with Mason Mount seemingly out of the picture the club could indeed pivot to. Curious as to how both Maddison and Simons compare, especially with those aforementioned assumptions by some that the Dutchman could occupy the left-eight role, we quizzed Thompson on this very dynamic.
“How does he stack up against James Maddison for me? Simons, for me, is better on the ball and a bigger threat, but the English midfielder trumps the Dutchman in terms of his creative qualities when distributing.
“Simons is also somewhat underrated in his defensive qualities and certainly would suit a pressing system. Though I would be shocked if PSG do not trigger his buyback clause, Arsenal should certainly look to the Dutch international if they want to add quality further forward this summer.”
It, therefore, turns to what Arsenal want. If they would like to add another creative player then Maddison makes sense, however, Simons offers something different to perhaps what they already have. Although it’s worth pointing out that Emile Smith Rowe does provide great dribbling ability and Simons' arrival could have a knock-on impact on his participation.