Arsenal are ramping up their interest in playmakers this summer, as they look to add even more firepower to the frontline.
The Gunners have moved quickly in the market to make sure Mikel Arteta has the options he needs in attack.
Noni Madueke has signed for the club in a deal worth £52 million, adding cover to both wide flanks when needed.
Beyond him, Arsenal are locked in talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres, with plenty of hope that they can seal a deal with Sporting CP to add the striker presence they have been missing.
When that deal is wrapped up, Andrea Berta is likely to throw his attention towards a wildcard playmaker, who can play in several positions while offering something different to the team.
While Arsenal have asked about Eberechi Eze as an option, they have also enquired about another star this summer.
Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal have asked about Xavi Simons’ transfer
While Eberechi Eze is a player of interest, Arsenal are keeping their options open when it comes to signing another forward.
Plenty of stars are available, including Xavi Simons, who now appears to be on the club’s radar this summer.
Reports elsewhere have stated that RB Leipzig are ready to let the 22-year-old leave for a fee worth £67 million.
Discussing links between Arsenal and Simons, Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Chelsea and Arsenal both asked for information about Xavi Simons in June already.”
On the possibility of a move, he added: “Arsenal, we know Eberechi Eze is one of the targets, they made contact with his agents more than two weeks ago.
“Let’s see what Arsenal will decide to do. At the moment, no contact with Crystal Palace yet, so we have to wait and see what happens there in case they can’t get Eze.
“Simons could be one of the options again, but also in this case it’s going to be important to see how Arsenal move in terms of some of the outgoings, Reiss Nelson and more players.”
It remains unclear who Arsenal will attempt to sign, but the options are certainly open for this summer.
- READ MORE: The Viktor Gyokeres stat that shows Arsenal may be making a better signing than Alexander Isak
How Eberechi Eze and Xavi Simons compared for the 2024/25 season
There are several factors that go into which deal will go ahead, as Arsenal weigh up the transfer cost, the overall squad fit and tactical profile.
One way to compare the two is by looking at how their 2024/25 seasons went on the whole.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xavi Simons | 33 | 11 | 8 |
| Eberechi Eze | 40 | 14 | 11 |
While Eze scored more and assisted more, with Premier League experience to his name too, Simons has the age factor on his side.
It remains to be seen who Arsenal will go for, but Berta is known for keeping his options open and landing the players he wants once talks have opened.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Luke Thrower