Xavi Simons Wanted by Chelsea and Arsenal – Who Will Win the Race?
Xavi Simons on Premier League Radar – Chelsea and Arsenal Lead the Chase
The tug-of-war for Xavi Simons is heating up. The 21-year-old Dutch midfielder, currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain, has emerged as a top target for both Chelsea and Arsenal this summer.
With a reported valuation of €60 million, Simons is being monitored closely as he pushes for a return to top-tier Champions League football.
Rising Star
Simons has flourished at Leipzig. In the 2024/25 season, he racked up 10 goals and 14 assists, becoming one of the Bundesliga’s most creative forces. His technical prowess, vision, and composure belie his age, and he’s now considered among Europe’s elite young talents.
Having grown up in Barcelona’s La Masia and then PSG, he’s matured quickly — and now, he’s ready for the next leap.
Arsenal’s Angle
For Mikel Arteta, Simons represents a long-term project. With the departures of Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira, Arsenal are seeking a versatile midfielder who can operate centrally or on the wing. Simons fits that mold perfectly — a blend of craft, energy, and final-third flair.
He could rotate with Ødegaard, or even operate deeper in midfield in certain systems. For Arsenal, he’d be a statement of intent — a continuation of their youthful, progressive recruitment policy.
Chelsea’s Case
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, on the other hand, are looking to rebuild creativity. After a disjointed 2024/25 campaign, Simons is seen as someone who could inject technical quality and unpredictability into their attack. With players like Enzo Fernández and Caicedo handling the midfield base, Simons could thrive as a roaming No. 10 or inverted winger.
He also fits Chelsea’s youth-oriented squad philosophy and offers resale value — something the club’s ownership values highly.
What Does Simons Want?
Reports suggest Simons wants regular football and a club where he can continue his development without being benched for big-name signings. Both clubs offer that, but Arsenal’s Champions League presence and Arteta’s proven development track may sway the balance.
For now, no official bid has been lodged, but the window is heating up — and Simons is listening.
