Ali Barat can now help Arsenal sign £60.6m star, player focused on PL transfer - opinion
Arsenal have had a good summer transfer window, with four signings thus far.
The Gunners have already recruited Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.
They are also expected to confirm the arrival of Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres could likewise join the club over the next few days.
Arsenal’s next target could be a versatile playmaker, and in our view, the club should explore a deal for Xavi Simons.
Simons joined RB Leipzig permanently from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year and is now keen on a new challenge, according to BILD.
The Dutchman prefers a move to the Premier League and has hired agent Ali Barat to push through a possible transfer.
Chelsea are expected to be approached, but Arsenal could have an equal opportunity to sign him, having just worked with Barat on a deal.
Barat recently acted as an intermediary for the transfer of Madueke and has a good relationship with sporting director Andrea Berta.
Arsenal should swoop for Simons ahead of Chelsea
The Gunners are in the transfer market for a new playmaker. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been heavily linked this month.
The England international can play as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing. He managed 25 goal contributions for the Eagles last season.
Simons has similar position preferences to Eze. He had 19 goal involvements for Leipzig last term despite missing two months through injury.
Both players are known for their dribbling and direct running. However, Simons has an upper hand over Eze when it comes to finishing chances.
Simons had a shot-to-goal conversion rate of 20 percent in the Bundesliga during the previous campaign with just two big chances missed.
In comparison, Eze only converted eight percent of his shots into goals, missing eight big scoring opportunities.
Simons is five years younger than Eze and has the potential to develop further to become a world-class playmaker.
ESPN claim that he could be signed for £60.6 million. We believe Simons would provide better value for money than Eze.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal follow up their interest with a formal transfer proposal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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