He is among Europe’s top young players.

In the world of football, there is an intriguing argument about whose academy is the greatest. One that is frequently brought up is Hale End at Arsenal. Over the years, they have produced several very talented players, such as Tony Adams, Cesc Fabregas, and more recently, Bukayo Saka.

Another with an excellent production line is Manchester United’s renowned Carrington Academy. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are just two of the notable people that have graduated in recent years. There are many more famous names. Academy stars abound, as seen by the illustrious Busby Babes of the 1950s and 1960s and the renowned Class of ’92.

Cobham Academy at Chelsea is likewise well-regarded; in 2021, some of its graduates won the Champions League. In 2023, Phil Foden—a graduate of the Manchester City academy—against his childhood team to win the Champions League.

Outside of England, many people consider Barcelona’s La Masia academy to be the greatest in continental Europe. That’s where players like Xavi and Iniesta, like Lionel Messi, excelled. A number of legendary players have come from there.

One promising young player, who spent a significant portion of his football schooling at La Masia, has been playing well this season and is currently being connected to a major transfer at the end of the campaign.

Arsenal wants to sign a young striker

The young player in question is Xavi Simons, an attacker for PSG who was once a member of the Barcelona academy. The young player, who is on loan at RB Leipzig for the 2023–24 season—his second loan transfer in as many years—has excelled in Germany.

Journalist Graeme Bailey claims that, should PSG decide to let Simons go permanently, Arsenal and a number of their Premier League opponents are now interested in signing him. In the summer, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and City are also considering signing the Dutchman.

Having said that, Simons would much rather relocate to Barcelona, the city of his birth. “Xavi’s preferred destination is the Camp Nou,” according to Bailey. He would then team up with Xavi, the gifted young player who bears his name, a former midfielder for Barcelona.

Given his success while on loan at PSV and Leipzig, Simons’ transfer fee may be less than anticipated. According to reports, PSG values Xavi at £50 million, which Arsenal could definitely afford to pay given that Mikel Arteta would probably receive support this summer.
Why Arsenal should consider signing Xavi Simons
Simons has been exceptional during his two loan stints in Germany and his home Netherlands. In 2022–2023 the Dutchman shared the Golden Boot with nine Eredivisie assists and scored 19 goals. This season in the Bundesliga, he has eight goals and thirteen assists for Leipzig. In eight Champions League contests, he has also contributed four goals.

There has been recognition for Simons’ excellent efforts throughout the last two seasons. The 21-year-old’s performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 this season actually mesmerised Arsenal icon Ian Wright. The former Arsenal striker discussed Simons on his podcast, “Wrighty’s House,” saying, “He was brilliant to watch.” Incredible.

Simons is the best creative midfield player available, as evidenced by his Fbref statistics. His averages include 2.19 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 12%, 6.04 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which puts him in the top 11%, and 2.71 critical passes per 90 minutes, which puts him in the top 8%. The data indicates that he is a creative genius.

Simons might be excellent for Arsenal if he can play in the middle of the pitch with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Ben Mattinson, a football commentator, said that the signing on X might be a “game-changing signing.”

The 21-year-old could just roam freely in the final third, impacting the game and showing his creative muscles in and around the opponent penalty box, with Rice’s defensive stability behind him. He has the ability to instantly alter a game in addition to scoring and providing an assist. He might be the deciding factor in Arsenal’s Premier League success or failure the next year.

Simons was called a “superstar” by Mattinson, and it’s easy to understand why. He is one of the most sought-after young players in the world at just 21 years old, and if Arsenal signs him this summer, he can really elevate their team.