Arsenal rival Liverpool for elite Salah replacement

Tom Weber

• Updated: 3 Dec 2024 11:53 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal and Liverpool appear to have the best chances of snapping up Xavi Simons next year, according to a report.

RB Leipzig managed to pull off the coup of re-signing the Dutchman in the summer after months of speculation surrounding his future. Though PSG only brought him back to the club in 2023, it was clear from the jump that he would not have a future in Paris.

Simons made the decision to head out on loan to Leipzig again after being one of the best performers in the Bundesliga in 2023/24 but the season has not gone to plan. The Red Bulls have massively underperformed and their attacking star has been sidelined with an injury since October.

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The 21-year-old is not expected to return to action until the new year by which point Leipzig could very well be without any hope for silverware. Leipzig signing Simons permanently was always unlikely but their lack of competitiveness makes it all but impossible.

Simons to the Premier League?

So with Leipzig out of the way and a return to PSG also ruled out, Simons' future may lie in the Premier League. At least that is according to The Athletic, which reports that Arsenal and Liverpool are among the most likely destinations for the Netherlands star.

Arsenal were already interested in Simons in the summer and could return for him as they seek attacking reinforcements. Liverpool, meanwhile, could be in the market for a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

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Simons, though primarily utilised on the left due to being right-footed, can play all across the attack and has ample experience playing in Salah's favoured right-wing position.

A potential move to Spain is also not out of the question, however. Simons still has admirers at his former youth club Barcelona, while Real Madrid could also be an option even though they are stacked in the offensive department.