Earlier this summer, Arsenal were among a number of clubs linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Xavi Simons, who spent last season on loan with RB Leipzig.
The Gunners faded from the race over the last month or so, with Bayern Munich and Leipzig proving the leading contenders for his signature. It seems the player has now made his decision.
Florian Plettenberg reports that Simons has decided to stay at Leipzig, with Bayern turning to other targets and PSG finalising another one-year loan for the 21-year-old.
Fabrizio Romano had reported that Simons was expected to decide his future this week, with Leipzig confident of getting the green light. It seems that’s now happened.
PSG were always likely to opt for another loan over a permanent sale, as a sale this summer would have seen most of the transfer fee going to PSV Eindhoven.
Simons’ agreement to return to PSG from PSV included a clause that allowed PSV to collect most of the profits from any sale before January 2025.
Another loan will allow the player to continue to get regular minutes and to retain his transfer value, and PSG can then cash in or integrate him into their side next summer.
Simons made 43 appearances for RB Leipzig in 2023/24, scoring 10 goals and assisting 15 from the wings. He split his time between the left and the right-hand side.