Arsenal target Xavi Simons is reportedly eager to return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window

Currently contracted to Paris Saint-Germain, Simons had an impressive 2023-24 season on loan at RB Leipzig, where he emerged as a star player.

The 21-year-old netted 10 goals and provided 15 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, including eight goals and 13 assists in 32 Bundesliga matches.

His contributions helped Leipzig secure a top-four finish and a spot in the Champions League, earning him a call-up to the Netherlands’ preliminary squad for Euro 2024.

Despite his successful stint, Simons’ long-term future at PSG remains uncertain as he prepares to return to the club.

Simons Prefers Barcelona Over Premier League Move

According to Graeme Bailey, via HITC, PSG plans to loan out Simons for a third consecutive season, hoping for a future big-money sale.

Arsenal is among several clubs interested in the Dutchman, having sent scouts to watch him at Leipzig earlier this season. Other interested parties include Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Bayern Munich.

However, Bailey reports that Simons prefers a return to Barcelona, where he started his career in the renowned La Masia academy. His father, a Barcelona supporter, named him after the current manager and club legend Xavi, whose future at Camp Nou is also uncertain.

Simons joined Barcelona’s academy at seven and spent nearly a decade there but never made a senior appearance before moving to PSG in 2019. He debuted for PSG in February 2021 and has played 10 more times for the first team, though his last appearance was in May 2022.

Reintegrating into PSG’s first team under Luis Enrique seems unlikely despite his successful loans, and a return to Barcelona could be complicated by the club’s financial issues.

Clubs like Arsenal likely have the financial means to attract Simons away from PSG, especially if they raise funds by selling fringe players such as Emile Smith Rowe, who is expected to leave this summer.