Arsenal 'leading the race to sign Xavi Simons'

Arsenal are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign in-demand attacker Xavi Simons.

The 20-year-old returned to Paris Saint-Germain from PSV Eindhoven last summer before making the move to RB Leipzig on loan for the 2023-24 campaign, and he has been in strong form for the Bundesliga club.

Simons has managed six goals and nine assists in 26 appearances for Leipzig in all competitions, including four goals and seven assists in 17 outings in Germany's top flight.

The Netherlands international also made a strong impression in the group stage of the Champions League, scoring twice and providing two assists in six appearances, and his form has allegedly led to a host of attention.

Simons turned out for Barcelona during his youth career before moving to PSG in 2019, but he only featured on 11 occasions for the French outfit's first team before being allowed to join PSV in the summer of 2022.

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The youngster managed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances for PSV during the 2022-23 campaign, which led to PSG exercising a buy-back option.

Manchester United are believed to have made an attempt to sign the Dutchman over the summer, with the English club's head coach Erik ten Hag said to be a huge admirer.

However, he returned to PSG, penning a contract with the French giants until June 2027, before it was decided that he would spend the 2023-24 campaign on loan in Germany.

According to Bild, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on his form, and the Gunners are viewed as 'a leading contender' to sign him, should PSG agree to a sale.

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There have been claims that his long-term future in Paris is unclear, with the Ligue 1 champions potentially agreeing to let him leave again for the right price.

Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest, but it is believed that Arsenal are currently in pole position ahead of the summer transfer window.

Simons, who has been capped on 11 occasions by the Netherlands, has shown his versatility this season by operating in a number of different positions.

The bulk of his football at club level this term has come as a right-sided attacker, but he has also operated down the left and through the middle.