Arsenal's new Ozil? Gunners leading contenders for Bundesliga assist machine

Robin Bairner

• 17 Jan 2024 13:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are considered to be a leading contender in the race to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.

Simons is on loan at the Bundesliga side from PSG, with his performances in the Bundesliga fuelling speculation that Arsenal could revisit a potential move for the player after there were rumours linking them to him in the summer.

The 20-year-old has been something of an assist king with Leipzig this season, creating nine goals and scoring six himself in 26 appearances for the club.

Such a level of performance has seen him linked with Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter, but according to Sport Bild, Arsenal are set to be a leading protagonist in this transfer saga.

Simon’s status at PSG, meanwhile, is uncertain. Although he rejoined the club last summer from PSV, the deal was struck under Les Parisiens’ buy-back clause and it is unclear if the Netherlands star sees his long-term future at Parc des Princes.

A possible return to RB Leipzig on another loan deal has been mooted.

Why Arsenal want Simons

Having shown the capability to play any role across the attacking midfield three, Simons would certainly be an interesting prospect for Arsenal.

FootballTransfers understands that the Gunners are also looking at a potential move for Wolves’ Pedro Neto but face the prospect of being beaten to him by Manchester City, who are offering more first-team opportunities.

Arsenal have been leaning heavily on Bukayo Saka for their attacking output since the academy winger broke into the first team, but Simons has the capacity to act as another major threat either from the left or through the middle.

The Netherlands star is an assist machine, with 21 decisive passes over the last 18 months at club level, as well as 28 goals. He would provide valuable relief for Saka and, though perhaps not the centre-forward that manager Mikel Arteta craves, at least carries an additional goal threat that Arsenal have been lacking in recent weeks.