23 January 2024 , 09:39
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Arsenal are still keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain winger Xavi Simons - even though they missed out on signing him during the summer.
The Gunners are understood to be long-term admirers of the Dutch maestro, 20, who was coveted by a host of Europe's elite last year after excelling in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven.
Any chance of Arsenal sealing a deal was scuppered, though, by the presence of a secret transfer clause which enabled PSG - who sold the player back in the summer of 2022 - to re-purchase Simons for a paltry €6million (£5.1m) fee.
Since then, Simons has been sent out on loan to Germany with RB Leipzig. But the talented youngster is still on Arsenal's radar, with reports outlining that the Gunners recently sent scouts out to watch Simons and a handful of other players currently plying their trade in the Bundesliga.
That's according to HITC, and it's since been claimed elsewhere that Arsenal's stance on the attacking midfielder has not changed in that they would still be receptive to bringing the Netherlands international to the Premier League.
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PSG are understood to be satisfied with Simons' progress out on loan, where he has amassed seven goals and nine assists for Leipzig in 27 appearances so far this term.
The French giants have no plans to cut Simons' loan short, nor are they likely to entertain permanent offers for his services this month - meaning Arsenal will have to bide their time if they are intent on landing the former Barcelona academy graduate.
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Simons has impressed on loan at RB Leipzig this season (Stuart Franklin)Although Mikel Arteta is open to strengthening his squad this month, the Spaniard has already ruled out a move for Ivan Toney amid speculation that Arsenal would seek a new No.9 to boost their title push.
He then went on to insist that Arsenal already possess the quality within their ranks to chase down Manchester City and Liverpool in the race for the Premier League crown after thrashing Crystal Palace 5-0 at the weekend.
He said: "We’re going to try our best and what we have to do is love our players and make sure that they feel trusted and they have the confidence because when a player lives like this, he can get to a level that you can never imagine. If he’s doubting and hearing too many things, that’s not helpful and we will love the players that we have."