Explained: Why Arsenal Backed Away from Xavi Simons Transfer

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Just Arsenal News

·26 July 2025

Explained: Why Arsenal Backed Away from Xavi Simons Transfer

RB Leipzig’s failure to qualify for the Champions League next season has left several of their top talents, including Xavi Simons, keen on a move elsewhere.

Some of these stars are eager to join Champions League clubs to continue testing themselves at the highest level.

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Simons, in particular, is thought to favour a Premier League switch and not long ago, it was claimed he had been offered to both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Arsenal cool on Simons amid Eze pursuit

While Chelsea appear to have taken up that offer, it has now emerged that Arsenal haven’t.

But why?

Why are Arsenal not challenging Chelsea for Xavi Simons?

Perhaps they are reluctant to negotiate with Leipzig, who reportedly played hardball when the Gunners enquired about Benjamin Šeško.

Either way, Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Chelsea are well-positioned to seal the deal, while revealing the other reason Arsenal haven’t warmed up to this transfer:

“Yes (Simons is on Arsenal’s radar), but Eze is higher on their list and Simons is currently in advanced talks with Chelsea.”

As reported by: GiveMeSport

The Simons snub is directly tied to Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

It has emerged that the Crystal Palace star has told those close to him that he is moving to Arsenal.

Just Arsenal relayed reports that a four-year deal and a £55 million offer from the Gunners is already prepared.

Eze (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Arsenal prioritise Eze as the ‘win-now’ option

Simons could have been a shrewd signing, arguably a younger version of Eze, a proven low-block killer.

But why Eze?

Arsenal may have prioritised a “win-now” transfer over betting on Simons’ potential.

According to The Independent, “Arsenal’s preference is to sell a player before finalising the Eze deal, but the signing isn’t contingent on that.”

They claim Reiss Nelson, who looks fired up ahead of next season, could be offered as part of the package to bring Eze to the Emirates.

Like Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta, would you have prioritised Eze over Simons?

Daniel O

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