Arsenal face transfer threat as KEY target wants Barcelona move

Cameron Smith

• 3 May 2024 10:00 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal target Xavi Simons would be “delighted” to return to Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

The Netherlands international is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain and he is set to be involved in a transfer tug-of-war during the upcoming summer window.

Simons, 21, has shone in Germany this campaign, racking up nine goals and 15 assists in all competitions, and his form has alerted several elite European clubs.

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Leipzig are reportedly confident that he will return to the club next season, while PSG have previously outlined that Simons will be key as they start life without Kylian Mbappe, who is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June.

Furthermore, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Simons over the past few months as Mikel Arteta pursues squad depth in attacking areas.

However, Spanish outlet SPORT have revealed that Simons would be “delighted” to rejoin Barcelona - five years after leaving Camp Nou.

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The Dutchman was La Masia’s crown jewel and was expected to make the jump up to Barca’s first-team before he sealed an unexpected move to PSG in 2019.

Despite leaving the Blaugrana five years ago, Simons is now keen to return, as per SPORT.

Simons currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €51.7 million, which has risen dramatically since the start of 2023.

Barcelona target Bernardo Silva

Barcelona are also targeting a summer move for Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, according to the same report. Xavi, who has performed a U-turn and will now remain at the club next season, is eager to bolster the options available to him and has identified Silva as a key target.

The 29-year-old has two years left on his current Man City contract, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side may consider a sale if a suitable offer is submitted.