Fresh reports have placed Arsenal firmly in the conversation for Xavi Simons, with growing speculation that the Dutch international could be an alternative target to Eberechi Eze this summer.
Simons expected to leave Leipzig
RB Leipzig endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, falling short of Champions League qualification. As a result, Simons is reportedly looking for a move that would allow him to test himself at the highest level of European football.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, both Arsenal and Chelsea are monitoring his situation closely. Crucially, no formal bids have been submitted yet, and Simons is said to favour a move to the Premier League. A deal could be completed for around €65 million plus add-ons.
As of today, as per Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are poised to make an opening bid for Simons.
That development raises an intriguing possibility. Could Arsenal pivot from their long-standing interest in Eze to focus instead on the younger, more versatile Simons?
Eze or Simons: who fits better?
Jacobs believes Arsenal may ultimately have to choose between the two attacking midfielders. While Arsenal’s interest in Eze remains active, a breakthrough depends on whether Crystal Palace are willing to negotiate below his £68 million release clause. That decision is expected imminently.
“There is overlap in their profiles,” Jacobs noted in response to speculation that Simons may be Eze’s alternative. “Let’s see if they advance interest, key to Eze is whether Palace will do business outside the clause. We should have clarity on that next week.”
Both players offer solutions to Arsenal’s well-known issues breaking down deep defensive blocks. Either could provide a creative spark in Mikel Arteta’s system.
Simons, just 22, brings elite dribbling and positional flexibility across attacking roles, having registered 11 goals and eight assists last season. However, he still lacks consistency and may need time to adapt, but the Dutch international is still of interest to Arsenal.
Eze, now 27, is a proven Premier League performer with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term. While he offers more immediate impact, his injury record remains a point of concern.
The decision now lies with Arsenal. Do they opt for raw versatility or ready-made quality?
Your thoughts welcome in the comments Gooners.
Daniel O
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Eze, Simons or Rodrygo? Well to be honest, if we get any of them 3, it would be fantastic.
Eze – homegrown, PL-proven, oldest of them at the age of 27. Apparent 68 million release clause could make it expensive.
Simons – youngest at 22, probably cheapest, the most versatile and creative of them. 3 strong seasons under his belt in Bundesliga and Eredivisie.
Rodrygo – most profilic of them and probably most expensive. Age in between 24, big game player, 5 full seasons for Real, rarely injured.
Can’t decide who would be the best signing in terms of versatility, age, price, impact, attitude?
Eze for me as he’s PL ready and would easily slot right in on our left side. Rodrygo is way over hyped as far as I’m concerned and Simons I like though he’s on his way to Chelsea.
Eze all the way. He can play at least 3 positions if needed. Left 8, left wing and Odegard replacement. Very sad to see Hato going to Chelsea.
only for 2 years then we will buy him
Eze is the man, premier League proven, can play different positions and guaranteed win now syndrome.
We are not getting anybody unless trosaard/martinelli preferably leaves ELSE Madueke is our Starting left winger . But if u ask me I’ll say X simons
But I don’t understand why d club won’t get rid of martinelli,he was awful yesterday, he has been awful long time now and I bet he will remain awful for us. Can’t the club see that
Martinelli is far from “Awful”
U must watch a different game then
Xavi Simons is a monster. He has more dynamic skills than Eze, or Rodrygo and will cost less. He will turn us into EPL champions and maybe the ‘Invicibles’ 2.
Eze all the way.
I like all three of them. If I had to choose one, it would probably be Rodrygo because we need to address the right-wing bias we have; we need more balance and to be less rigid, more fluid. Teams should not know which way we’re gonna go. I want Eze, he would suit our needs, but I have asked myself where the priority is, where is the bigger problem
I wouldn’t mind any of them
They are all quality players
1. Rodriygo….not going to happen
2. Simons….not going to happen
3. Eze….not going to happen!
Any of these three would improve us.
But only Eze is a real possibility at this point, so the rest is noise.