Pain in the Arsenal
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4 reasons why Arsenal will sign Xavi Simons this summer

By Lucas Chambers

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 16: Xavi Simons of PSV celebrates 4-1 during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV v FC Utrecht at the Philips Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Eindhoven Netherlands (Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images)
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 16: Xavi Simons of PSV celebrates 4-1 during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PSV v FC Utrecht at the Philips Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Eindhoven Netherlands (Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with manager Mikel Arteta after winning the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with manager Mikel Arteta after winning the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

3. The PERFECT system for the youngster

Simons’ profile allows him to play in multiple positions, depending on what is needed of him. Evolving in La Masia, all youngsters must perform well in all positions, and an attacking midfielder must be able to play on the wing and as a central midfielder. As Simons will most likely arrive at the Emirates as a backup, his versatility will ensure that he will be available when there is a vacancy.

Despite his adaptability, Simons has been deployed mainly as an attacking midfielder. In Arsenal’s current tactical setup, the current striker, Gabriel Jesus, is used as a deeper striker, allowing Martinelli and Saka to flourish as advanced inside forwards. Jesus’ technical ability and skill can be mirrored by Simons, offering a like-for-like change if it is desired. Showing his versatility once more, Simons can also be used as a pressing forward and can break the lines with his runs and can hang off the last defender.

The transition between clubs could also be simple for the Dutch Cup Winner. PSV and Arsenal both prefer to predominantly use the middle third of the pitch. This is mainly down to their build-up play and their false 9’s. Both sides also often deploy a 4-3-3 in a very similar way, and with these similar traits, some parts of the tactical setup will already be familiar to Simons.

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PSV Eindhoven’s Dutch head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy (L) and Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) chat with an official after the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 20, 2022. – Arsenal won the game 1-0. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
PSV Eindhoven’s Dutch head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy (L) and Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (C) chat with an official after the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on October 20, 2022. – Arsenal won the game 1-0. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. A big summer ahead

After an impressive campaign, Arsenal will want to bring in big names to compete for the league title for the second year running. In addition to Rice and other superstars, Simons would be a huge statement of intent for Arsenal as they show fans that they are willing to splash the cash on squad depth.

Despite Simons’ already being familiar with Arsenal’s tactical setup, it will be important for the Dutchman to have a good pre-season with his new side, which begins on the 20th of July as Arsenal face the MLS All-Stars.

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